There are a whopping 734 miles of hiking trails in Glacier National Park, so it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone. However, it does seem as if the more popular hikes, like the Trail of the Cedars, fill up quickly in peak hiking season. For a nice, easy day hike that isn’t quite as well-known, check out the Johns Lake Loop Trail near Lake McDonald. Not only is it great for all skill levels, part of it are so quiet and peaceful, it seems downright dreamy.

The Johns Lake Loop is located located 1.3 miles east of the Lake McDonald Lodge, just off Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Alan Nail / alltrails.com And at only 1.8 miles in length, it’s perfect for a relatively short, easy day hike.

From the small parking area, start following the loop counter clockwise.

rent Skrzypek / alltrails.com And when you see signs for the Avalanche Trail, just veer left to stay on track.

The trail passes through a quiet old growth forest of red cedars and hemlocks as you wind toward the lake.

Bich Tran / alltrails.com Johns Lake is beautiful, but it’s usually pretty boggy, so you’ll want to admire it from a distance before moving on.

Eventually, you’ll come to a hidden waterfall.

Elliot Franczek / alltrails.com This is known as Sacred Dancing Cascade. The waterfall got its name from a Kootenai phrase that means “where people dance.”

Soon after, you’ll come to McDonald Falls – yes, there are two waterfalls on this one short hike.

Cynthia Gines / alltrails.com McDonald Falls is the last feature on McDonald Creek before it empties into Lake McDonald.

About 0.3 miles after the waterfalls, you’ll arrive at North Lake McDonald Road.

JB / alltrails.com Turn left there to complete your loop. You’ll still have plenty of glimpses of McDonald Creek along the way.

The next time you visit Glacier National Park, hike the Johns Lake Loop Trail.

Brian Elkins / alltrails.com You’ll feel like you’re in your own world, which is not a bad feeling when you’re inside a million-acre park.

To learn more about the hike, visit its page on AllTrails.

Alan Nail / alltrails.com

And at only 1.8 miles in length, it’s perfect for a relatively short, easy day hike.

rent Skrzypek / alltrails.com

And when you see signs for the Avalanche Trail, just veer left to stay on track.

Bich Tran / alltrails.com

Johns Lake is beautiful, but it’s usually pretty boggy, so you’ll want to admire it from a distance before moving on.

Elliot Franczek / alltrails.com

This is known as Sacred Dancing Cascade. The waterfall got its name from a Kootenai phrase that means “where people dance.”

Cynthia Gines / alltrails.com

McDonald Falls is the last feature on McDonald Creek before it empties into Lake McDonald.

JB / alltrails.com

Turn left there to complete your loop. You’ll still have plenty of glimpses of McDonald Creek along the way.

Brian Elkins / alltrails.com

You’ll feel like you’re in your own world, which is not a bad feeling when you’re inside a million-acre park.

Have you ever hiked the Johns Lake Loop Trail? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below. Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more bucket-list-worthy hikes in Montana!

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Address: Johns Lake, Montana 59936, USA