Those wanting to enjoy a hike inside Glacier National Park, but don’t have an entire day to dedicate to the trail, will find the Rocky Point Nature Trail to be an enjoyable alternative.
Located on the often overlooked west side of Lake McDonald, just inside the park, the Rocky Point Nature Trail takes visitors through an area that was burned by a massive wildfire in 2003 as well as past rocky beaches along the shore.
A half-mile north of the Fish Creek Campground on the Inside North Fork Road is the Rocky Point Trailhead. Parking is available on the west side of the road. Upon entering the trail, hikers will pass the Fish Creek Campground before passing over a small creek. About a half mile from the road the trail splits to create the 0.7 mile loop that makes up the Nature Trail. Here visitors can pick up a free trail guide that explains what happened to the forest in 2003 and how it has recovered since. The leisurely hike takes about an hour, with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the sites.
How to get there: From West Glacier, take the Going to the Sun Road into the park. Depending on the season, standard entrance fees apply. At Apgar take a left and follow the road about two miles, taking a right on the Inside North Fork Road which will take you to the Fish Creek Campground. Pass the campground entrance and drive another half mile north. The trailhead is on the east side of the road.