If you only have a few hours for a hike in Glacier National Park, the trek to the Apgar Lookout in West Glacier may be the way to go. At 3.3 miles, the hike is short enough that it can be completed in a morning and provides rewarding views of Lake McDonald.
At the top of the mountain is the Apgar Lookout, a small building that can provide even a little more elevation.
Nearby is a bathroom, but there is no water, so be sure to bring enough for the trip.
Also, even though you are still within sight of U.S. Highway 2, it’s still bear country, so bring some spray.
How to get there
From Kalispell, drive 33 miles east on U.S. Highway 2 to West Glacier and take a left into the park.
Past the main gate, take a left on the Apgar Horse Corral Road, past the horse corrals, to the Quarter Circle Bridge over McDonald Creek.
From there it’s another mile and a half.
Keep an eye out for signage.