Hiking Johns Lake Loop in Glacier National Park (Year-Round Trail)

Johns Lake Loop is a scenic and easy 2 mile hike tucked away on the west side of Glacier National Park. Located just east of Lake McDonald Lodge off Going to the Sun Road, this peaceful loop offers a mellow outing ideal for families, casual hikers, or anyone looking for a relaxing stroll through the woods.

Trail Overview

The loop begins near the northeast end of Lake McDonald, with trail access just off the main road. You’ll quickly enter the forest and cross McDonald Creek twice via well-built bridges. The trail also crosses Going to the Sun Road twice, so keep an eye out for traffic in the summer months.

Along the way, you’ll pass a small pond and eventually reach Johns Lake, a quiet, tree-lined lake tucked into the forest. The path is mostly flat and easy to follow, making it a great option for hikers of all ages and abilities.

A Year-Round Option

One of the best features of Johns Lake Loop is that it’s accessible nearly year round. We hiked it in late December, just before Christmas. Since Going to the Sun Road is closed past Lake McDonald Lodge in the winter, you’ll need to add a couple of miles to your round trip by walking from the road closure to the trailhead. Even so, it’s a manageable and rewarding hike in the offseason, offering solitude and snowy forest charm without the summer crowds.

Tips for Summer Visitors

In peak summer season, this area can get busy, especially since it’s close to Lake McDonald Lodge and several popular trailheads. Parking fills up quickly, so it’s best to start early if you’re visiting during high season.

Final Thoughts

Johns Lake Loop is a pleasant and low-effort nature hike that provides a taste of Glacier’s forested beauty without the elevation gain or crowds of the park’s marquee trails. It’s especially useful if you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons or winter when many other hikes are closed or snow-covered. However, if you’re visiting during peak season and looking for Glacier’s more iconic experiences, you may want to set your sights on Avalanche Lake, the Highline Trail, or Iceberg Lake.

Still, for a peaceful walk in the woods, Johns Lake Loop might be a worthy addition to your Glacier itinerary.