Lake McDonald sits in the southwest corner of Glacier National Park, accessed via the West Entrance on US-2. Whether you fly, drive, or ride the rails, the journey is straightforward — and worth every mile.
Quick address: The West Glacier entrance is at 12000 US-2 E, West Glacier, MT 59936. Apgar Visitor Center is 2 miles past the gate; Lake McDonald Lodge is 11 miles inside the park.
By Car
From Kalispell (30 min): Take US-2 E from downtown Kalispell toward Columbia Falls and continue east through West Glacier. The park entrance is on the right just past the Amtrak station.
From Missoula (2.5 hrs): Head north on I-90 W briefly, then take US-93 N to Kalispell, then US-2 E to West Glacier.
From Great Falls (3 hrs): Take US-89 N to Browning and enter via the East Glacier entrance, then follow US-2 W to West Glacier — or continue on US-89 to Many Glacier for the northeast side of the park.
From Spokane, WA (4.5 hrs): Take I-90 E to I-15 N to US-93 N to Kalispell, then US-2 E.
From Calgary, AB (3 hrs): Cross at the Chief Mountain or Carway border crossings, then follow Canadian Hwy 2 S to US-89 S into the park, or take AB-5 to the Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park route.
Vehicle size limit: Vehicles (including tow vehicles and trailers) over 21 feet are not permitted past Avalanche Creek on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Plan accordingly if towing an RV or boat. Parking guide →
By Plane
FCA is the closest airport, located in Kalispell, MT — about 30 miles (45 minutes) west of the park entrance. Served by Alaska, Delta, United and American with direct flights from Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Dallas and Phoenix. Rental cars available at the airport.
MSO has more frequent and often cheaper flights than FCA, served by Alaska, Delta, United, Southwest and Allegiant. The drive from Missoula to West Glacier takes about 2 hours 30 minutes via US-93 N. A good option if you plan to explore the Flathead Valley before entering the park.
By Train — Amtrak Empire Builder
The Empire Builder (Chicago–Seattle/Portland) stops at West Glacier station, located just steps from the park entrance. One of the most scenic train routes in North America — the route follows the southern edge of Glacier through river valleys and mountain passes.
The train runs once daily in each direction (seasonal schedule May–Oct). From Seattle: ~11 hrs. From Chicago: ~25 hrs. Book at amtrak.com. The station itself is unmanned; no checked bags at this stop.
Once at West Glacier station, it's a short walk to the park gate, or take the Glacier National Park Lodges shuttle to Apgar and Lake McDonald Lodge.
Shuttles & Ground Transport
The National Park Service operates free shuttle buses along Going-to-the-Sun Road from late June through Labor Day. Routes connect Apgar Visitor Center, Lake McDonald Lodge, Avalanche Creek, Logan Pass and St. Mary. Shuttles run every 15–30 minutes during peak hours.
This is the best way to access trailheads without dealing with parking — park at Apgar or Fish Creek and ride to your trailhead. Parking & shuttle guide →
Glacier National Park Lodges (Xanterra) operates a fee-based shuttle from the Kalispell area and FCA airport to Lake McDonald Lodge and other park lodges. Reservations required — book when you reserve your lodge stay at glaciernationalparklodges.com.
