Lake McDonald Lodge amazing destination

At first glance, Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park can be a letdown. It appears that the building is obviously old, but it’s rather plain in its construction and the front looks more like the back of a building. Where is the grand, rustic entrance that the other lodges in the park enjoy? But after one walks into the lobby, the letdown disappears.

Broad, tall Western red cedar logs, still with their distinctive bark, tower up to the log-framed ceiling. Two floors rise from ground level and border the lobby area on three sides. People are sitting on the balconies behind an intricate log railing. A large fireplace with flames leaping upward fills most of the fourth wall in the lobby, and sunshine filters through a large window.

The heads of trophy animals are mounted on the walls and the cedar columns. They include white-tailed and mule deer with enormous antlers, an elk with a huge rack, mountain sheep with curled horns and a couple of full-body mountain goats. In short, the place looks like a very old, rustic hunting lodge.

The building was originally built as a hunting lodge in 1913. John Lewis from nearby Columbia Falls, Mont., maintained a fishing and tourist camp on the lakeside property. The displayed animals were furnished by Lewis. The lodge was constructed before Glacier Park was established, even before a road was built along the shoreline of Lake McDonald. All the materials, and later, guests, arrived by boat.

The property and buildings were bought by the Glacier Park Hotel Co. in 1930. Now, after several owners, the lodge has been maintained with a hunting lodge atmosphere. The land is owned by Glacier National Park and managed by Glacier Park Inc. The lodge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 in recognition of its unique architecture and its significance to the local history.

So, after gawking (gawking is OK), exploring and staring up at the ceiling, walk out the lakeside door. You will discover a well-defined entrance to the building with more log columns, hanging flowers baskets and steps leading down to the lake and a dock. Here on the front porch facing the lake is a great spot to watch a sunset across Lake McDonald and the mountains to the west.

A small cruise ship tied up at the dock offers daily trips around Lake McDonald. On the cruise, a spectacular view of the steep Garden Wall and glacier-carved mountains can be seen on the north end of the lake. A ranger naturalist is often aboard to share Glacier Park stories and history. There is a ranger naturalist program every evening in the lodge

In keeping with a rustic hunting lodge ambience, there are no televisions, elevators, in-room microwaves, computer portals or air conditioning in the rooms. Bending a little to convenience, there are telephones.

But don’t confuse rustic with primitive. Lake McDonald Lodge has all the amenities a visitor needs to be very comfortable. There are a total of 100 rooms with private bathrooms and standard double and/or twin beds. Besides accommodations at the lodge, there are large and small cottages and a 30-room motor inn on the grounds.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the Cedar Dining Room as well as the Russell’s Trail’s End Family Restaurant. There is a gift shop in the lobby of the lodge. The Stockade Lounge offers beverages all afternoon and evening.

The lodge is a base of operations for an unforgettable national park experience. There is so much to do. At the entrance to the park or at a visitor center ask for a schedule of ranger/naturalist guided walks and hikes.

For example, there is about a two-mile walk to Avalanche Lake with a ranger as your guide. He will talk about the animals, plants and geology of the area. At the end of the walk is a lake bordered on three sides by nearly vertical rock walls with water falling off a tall cliff at the end of the lake. The trailhead is close to the lodge. There are day hikes, and overnight experiences t at a remote chalet. Glacier is a hiking paradise with more than 730 miles of trails.

If your idea of excitement is less strenuous, tours that depart from the lodge aboard historic red buses can be booked. Or you can drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which climbs over the Continental Divide, or take in the spectacular mountain scenery that begins right outside the lodge entrance. Nearby is a nature trail where a leisurely walk though an old-growth cedar forest on an elevated wooden boardwalk can be an easy excursion.

Staying at Lake McDonald Lodge is about having fun in a dramatic, spectacular setting. The unique hunting lodge setting, cool nights and recreational opportunities will be a welcome escape and provide a memorable summer trip. You just have do it.