Upper McDonald Creek Trail

Upper McDonald Creek Trail is a 5.4-mile out-and-back, about 2.72 miles each way, from North Lake McDonald Road to a rocky creekside outcrop near Avalanche Creek. The grade is gentle, but it is a proper half-day walk once you stop at the water; allow about 2½ hours. Route descriptions put the full outing between 5.3 and 5.6 miles, so think of it as roughly 5½ miles. You return on the same trail.

If you mainly want McDonald Falls, the first paved half-mile is the easy shorter option. Continue beyond the falls for Sacred Dancing Cascades and the quieter forest stretch that makes this more than a quick viewpoint walk.

The paved approach reaches McDonald Falls early. Around three-quarters of a mile in, Sacred Dancing Cascades tumbles over dark, layered rock. At the horse-path junction, stay straight on the creek trail. A footbridge beyond the cascades can connect to Johns Lake Loop, but that is an optional route change, not part of this out-and-back.

Past the cascades, the trail crosses an oxbow wetland beside the creek, then leaves the water for roughly a mile of forest before returning to the creek. Expect stretches where the woods, moss, and old trees are the point; you do not stay beside rushing water the whole way. The quieter upper section is the reason to keep going if you have the time.

The trail passes Avalanche Creek Overlook, a wooden platform across the creek, then continues a short way to a low rock outcrop beside the water. That is the described endpoint. Mount Cannon rises above the upstream view, with the creek in front of you; this is the strongest place to take in the length of the walk before heading back.

The valley’s damp forest holds western hemlock and western red cedar, with some trees estimated at more than 500 years old. The oxbow wetland is described as waterfowl habitat and possible moose habitat, especially around quieter morning or evening periods; wildlife is never a sure thing.

The trailhead is a small pull-off on North Lake McDonald Road just after the creek bridge, with space for only a few cars. The reported alternatives are a pull-off by the bridge or the larger lot at the North Lake McDonald Road and Going-to-the-Sun Road junction. The falls viewpoint has no restrooms or drinking water. Only the first paved half-mile to McDonald Falls is identified as accessible; do not assume that applies to the full trail. Pets are not permitted on park trails.