Johns Lake Loop Trail

Fantastic and easy day hike. The climb is minimal and mostly in the forest.
Drive east passed McDonald lodge 1.3 miles, the trailhead will be marked John' Lake .05 miles. Trailhead is on the opposite side of the road as the lodge with parking for about 8 cars. The trail first leads you through the forest .05 miles to John's Lake.
The Lake is small and completely surrounded by forest. The shoreline is boggy and hard to get down to the waters edge. There are several places to get close enough to the shore for pictures and a view. If lucky you might see moose feeding or loons hunting in the lake. And if fishing is your thing, hiking in with a float tube would be the way.
The shoreline is surrounded by water lilies with two large mountain peaks on the opposite side completing the perfect scene.
Traveling on along the trail for .05 miles takes you past the trail leading up to Avalanche Lake. Staying left on John's trail takes you back through the forest to the Going to the Sun road. Across the road you can take a break at the falls (known to some as the dancing cascade falls). Beautiful views and several places to sit and relax, enjoying the serene sounds of falling water.
Cross the bridge at this point and follow the trail to the left. You will travel along the creek all the way back, passing by McDonald falls and walking high on the cliff side. After passing the falls here you will travel back to the car by hiking through the forest of cedar and hemlock.
After a short distance you will come across a paved road leading to the ranger station to the right, turning left you will cross a bridge. This is a popular place to see and talk with those taking the trip on horseback.
After crossing the bridge look for the trail again off to the right. This will lead you back to the cars and keep you from having to hike on the Going to the Sun road.

Glacier National Park
PO Box 128
West Glacier,MT,59936
Phone: (406) 888 7800
Email: glac_questions@nps.gov