MCD - Lake McDonald

Glacier National Park · Montana

MCD - Lake McDonald is one of the permitted entry points in Glacier National Park on recreation.gov. Its current demand score is 77/100. Permit Ranger watches this pass around the clock and alerts you the moment a sold-out date opens up.

When permits are released

Advance reservations cover June 15 – September 30 and go on sale all at once on May 1 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time (after the March lotteries). Cancellations reopen sites all summer. October trips are walk-up only.

Demand

High demand (77/100)

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do MCD - Lake McDonald permits open?

Advance reservations cover June 15 – September 30 and go on sale all at once on May 1 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time (after the March lotteries). Cancellations reopen sites all summer. October trips are walk-up only. Check the recreation.gov page for the exact on-sale details for your dates.

What if my dates are sold out?

Cancellations happen all season as plans change. Add MCD - Lake McDonald to a trip window on Permit Ranger and you get an instant alert the moment a date you need opens back up.

How competitive is MCD - Lake McDonald?

The live demand score is 77/100. Odds of catching an opening are low - most dates book up well ahead.

Does Permit Ranger book the permit for me?

No. Permit Ranger never books on your behalf. When a watched date opens, you get an alert with a direct link so you can book it yourself on recreation.gov.

Nearby passes

Book on recreation.gov · All Glacier National Park passes · Glacier National Park permit guide