Inside Glacier National Park, Walsh Cottage on the shores of Lake McDonald

No Going to the Sun timed reservation ticket? No problem, our property is located inside Glacier National Park at the head of  Lake McDonald past the required ticketing gate! No Reservation ticket required when staying with us! For the serious mountain adventurer or nature-loving vacationer, enjoy the majestic environment of Glacier National Park from this unique location. Part of the historic Senator Thomas Walsh property, relax in your retro 1950s one room guest cottage that sleeps 2 and immerse yourself in the wonders of the park.

Your private cottage, with its original cedar paneling, is equipped with a king-sized bed, full bath, sizeable closet to store your gear, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, Kuerig coffee maker, electric hot water kettle, and electric baseboard heat. There is Starlink WiFi for Internet and wifi-calling. If you don't want to miss out on the big game or show, you can bring your own personal device and connect to the WIFI. There is no landline.

Right out your door, take a short path down to the head of Lake McDonald, where you can swim, sunbathe, fish for trout at the mouth of McDonald Creek, or simply sit on the beach and read a book while gazing down the beautiful ten-mile lake. If you bring your own canoe, kayak, or paddle board, make sure to stop at the Watercraft Inspection Station in Apgar right after entering the park for your inspection sticker.

On the one-acre compound sits the large cedar log cabin that Senator Thomas J. Walsh built in 1905 to entertain his family and friends, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will also find the original ice house, pump house, and Genevieve Walsh Gudger’s (the Senator’s daughter) upper cabin, built in the 1940s.

The perfect ‘base camp’ from which to explore the park, you are only a half mile from the iconic Going to the Sun Road. Considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, go north for twenty-miles and arrive at Logan Pass on the Continental Divide. From there, access many of the major hikes in the park. Just a 5 minute drive to the Historic Lake McDonald Lodge for exploring and dining at the historic Charlie Russell Dining Room.

Within easy walking distance, hike along McDonald Creek for a mile or two to a series of waterfalls, or continue on for another 1.5 miles to dead end at Paradise Falls. Or take the 2.5-mile John’s Lake Loop, an easy hike through the ancient cedar forests. Drive up the Going to the Sun road for a few miles and hike to the shores of Avalanche Lake, surrounded by sheer mountain sides with many glimmering waterfalls. Picnic with friendly chipmunks and before descending soak your hot and tired feet in the lake’s crystal-clear icy water.

For basic supplies, it’s a half hour drive south to West Glacier, with major shopping done in nearby Columbia Falls, Kalispell, or Whitefish. There is a small mercantile at the nearby Lake McDonald Lodge for bare necessities. 

This property does not have full size kitchen but does offer a dorm size refrigerator, toaster, microwave and kuerig coffee maker for your daily needs. Bring breakfast supplies and items to make your packable lunch for the day. Enjoy a dinner at Lake McDonald Lodge or the Belton Chalet in West Glacier. A beautiful drive in the evening with the occasional bear crossing.