Avalanche Creek Picnic Area
Sandwich + jerky power combo; trail mix fuels the hike.
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An idea to explore—not a must-do.
The full road crossing depends on seasonal access—even in summer.
An idea to explore—not a must-do.
An idea to explore—not a must-do.
Avalanche Creek and Lake McDonald Creek run cold and fast even in summer, and rocks and logs near the water are slippery. Keep children supervised and view the…
Arrive early; in July and August, aim for even earlier to lock parking.
Natural Attraction
Pack sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky, and brace for the crunch of your snack as the creek hisses nearby. The bread yields a soft snap; jerky adds a briny heat while a cool breeze carries pine scent. Picnic tables come first-come, first-served, so you chase a seat while Avalanche Gorge and twin waterfalls frame the Lake McDonald Creek. The setting is the meal—sun on pine needles, water rushing, and mountains as seasoning.
Quick facts
- How To Get There
- The picnic area sits in the Avalanche developed area along Going-to-the-Sun Road, about 16 miles (25.7 km) from Glacier's West Entrance.
- Parking Details
- Parking lot available
MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP
Is this stop worth your time?
Why go
- Review Summary
- Reviews center on the area’s expansive natural setting and access to hikes; parking and crowds are the primary trade-off. Visitors praise the views of Lake McDonald Creek, Avalanche Gorge, and the surrounding mountains, while noting that arriving early makes the experience much smoother.
- Family Friendly Notes
- Kid-friendly; wide open spaces for picnics
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Arrive early; in July and August, aim for even earlier to lock parking.
- Best Visit Times
- Early morning or late afternoon for photography
Getting there and doing it
- Nearby Facilities
- Trail of the Cedars boardwalk (0.7-mile accessible loop); restrooms with flush toilets and running water at Avalanche Campground's Loop A.
- Accessibility
- The adjoining Trail of the Cedars is a 0.7-mile (1.1 km) accessible loop on wood boardwalk and sustainable polymer pavement, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Restrooms with flush toilets and running water are at Avalanche Campground's Loop A, next to the picnic area. NPS does not describe the picnic tables' own surfaces; ask at Apgar Visitor Center if you need a step-free table.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- The picnic area sits in the Avalanche developed area along Going-to-the-Sun Road, about 16 miles (25.7 km) from Glacier's West Entrance.
- Parking Details
- Parking lot available
When to go
Facilities, fees & access
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Avalanche Creek and Lake McDonald Creek run cold and fast even in summer, and rocks and logs near the water are slippery. Keep children supervised and view the water from designated spots rather than climbing on wet rocks.
Planning advice
More details
- Park Area
- Glacier National Park – Avalanche Creek Picnic Area
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee or do I need a reservation?
There is no reservation needed for the picnic area; however, Glacier National Park requires a park entrance pass. The picnic area itself does not have its own fee.
Is there parking available?
Parking at Avalanche fills during peak summer days. Arrive early rather than counting on a space at a specific time.
Can I bring my dog?
Leashed pets (up to 6 feet) are allowed in the developed picnic and parking areas, but they are not permitted on Trail of the Cedars or any other park trail.
Are there restrooms nearby?
Yes. Flush toilets and running water are available at Avalanche Campground's Loop A, near the picnic area.
What should I bring for a BYO picnic?
Pack sandwiches, trail mix, jerky, dried fruit, and water; expect limited shade and prepare for a crowd during peak hours.
More at Glacier National Park
Pyramid Peak
Peak sharpened by glacial ice above Mokowanis Lake; an off-trail scramble deep in the Belly River backcountry.
Grace Lake
Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.
Rising Sun Picnic Area
A practical east-side pause where Glacier’s mountains meet the prairies.
Two Medicine Picnic Area
Two Medicine’s lake and peaks reward a future picnic; road access is closed as of September 8, 2026.
Monument Falls
A partly hidden waterfall above Avalanche Lake, distinct from the taller headwall cascades. Plan for lake-and-basin views, not a waterfall-base visit.
Lake McDonald
A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.
Sources
- wanderlog.com
- roqueland.com
- nationalparkphotographer.com
- nps.gov
- everywherewithclaire.com
- thedyrt.com
- naturalatlas.com
- parkprovisionsglacier.com
- fantasticfeathers.in
- recreation.gov
- glaciernationalparklodges.com
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated April 2026. Report an issue.