INSIDE Glacier Natl Park, Lakefront Cabin, 2025 reservations open after Sept.

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Cabin

Savor the spectacular view with a glass of wine and BBQ on your private deck

Magnificent views from the lakefront deck!

Relax with a warm fire in cozy log cabin after a day of hiking or site seeing

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

Washer

Parking available

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Fireplace

Explore the area

Glacier National Park, MT

Sperry Trailhead
4 min walk
Lake McDonald
6 min walk
Johns Lake Trailhead
3 min drive
Kalispell, MT (FCA-Glacier Park Intl.)
50 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Dining Area

About this property

One of a kind vacation!

Staying inside the park enables you to get ahead of the crowds, avoid long lines entering the park and no reservation is needed for the Going-to-the -Sun Road.

Shorefront cabin on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. Charming log home on a private beach with the rugged Rocky Mountains outside your window. Wake to Mt Stanton, Mt Vaught reflected in the iridescent water of Lake McDonald.

Spend dreamy summer days lounging on the deck under an umbrella basking in the beauty of scenic Glacier National Park or partake in the endless recreational possibilities at your doorstep.

Stroll on the Trail of the Cedars or hike the pristine forest to Sperry Chalet. Tour spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at Logan Pass, the Continental divide, capture Triple Divide Peak and abundant wildlife for photographic memories. Hike the Highline Trail to historic Granite Park Chalet with breathtaking vistas traversing sheer sedimentary rocks below the Garden Wall.

After a day exploring the nearby natural wonders, enjoy the sunset in privacy at your own beach with a glass of wine and dinner sizzling on the BBQ.
From your bedroom window awaken to majestic peaks reflected on deep blue clear waters of Lake McDonald. Stroll over to Lake McDonald Lodge for a cup of coffee enjoying company in front of the grand fireplace. Take a boat tour on the Desmit or paddle along the shore for a close-up intimate experience with nature.

As the park's natural beauty seeps into your breath, settle into an evening at the cabin in front of the fire, reading, playing games/cards or watching a video. Cabin life beckons you to let go and relax within the cozy atmosphere decorated with original oil paintings and historic photographs.

For an unforgettable holiday explore the many activities in and around Glacier: from Huckleberry Festivals to mountain biking; from art festivals to helicopter tours; from guided naturalist talks to white water rafting; from fishing & boating to wildlife viewing; from photographic wonders to shopping in trendy Whitefish.

A week won't be enough time to enjoy it all and a return visit will be on the calendar. A vacation place emblazoned on your memory for its pristine wilderness adventures and picturesque wilderness experience. Find the magic in Glacier National Park!

Keywords: One of a kind vacation
Shorefront cabin on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park!
Charming log cabin on private beach with the rugged Rocky Mountains outside your window

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Parking available

Similar properties

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a deadlock

About the area

West Glacier

Located in West Glacier, this cabin is on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake McDonald and Glacier National Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Glacier Anglers and Garden Wall. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking nearby.

Glacier National Park, MT

What's nearby

Sperry Trailhead - 4 min walk
Lake McDonald - 6 min walk
Apgar Visitor Center - 16 min drive
Glacier National Park - 19 min drive
Hidden Lake - 46 min drive

Getting around

West Glacier Station - 23 min drive
Kalispell, MT (FCA-Glacier Park Intl.) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

‪Jammer Joe's Grill and Pizzeria - ‬4 min walk
‪Lucke's Lounge - ‬6 min walk
‪Lake McDonald Lodge, Cabins and Motor Inn - ‬6 min walk
‪Avalanche Creek - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is INSIDE Glacier Natl Park, Lakefront Cabin, 2025 reservations open after Sept. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at INSIDE Glacier Natl Park, Lakefront Cabin, 2025 reservations open after Sept.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at INSIDE Glacier Natl Park, Lakefront Cabin, 2025 reservations open after Sept.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is INSIDE Glacier Natl Park, Lakefront Cabin, 2025 reservations open after Sept. located?

This family-friendly West Glacier cabin is located on a lake, within a 10-minute walk of Sperry Trailhead and Lake McDonald. Johns Lake Trailhead and Trout Lake Trailhead are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

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9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Mary L.

10 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home on Lake McDonald Excellent location

This property was the perfect location for our family to use as a home base for Glacier National Park. The only only con for us is that the bedroom with 2 single beds in it is actually a sun room turned into bedroom. Char was the perfect host! Communication was top notch! I would 100% stay here again! said, I would 100% stay here again, again, and again.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Emily B.

21 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location

The location of this cabin can’t be beat. Being inside the park and not needing a vehicle reservation or having to wait in line to get in the park was really great. It was very convenient being able to walk to the lodge, camp store, horse stable, and shuttle stop. The views from inside the cabin and on the deck almost feel unreal, and we were so thankful to have our own private place to hang out right on Lake McDonald.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda K.

18 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Buck List Trip at Lake McDonald

Char was amazing! She was communicative and really helpful through the initial booking all through our stay. The cabin is clean, comfortable and perfectly located near a general store, the Lodge and a couple restaurants, but it’s also remote and quiet and private. The views are stunning, sitting on the deck out to the lake was a major highlight and we experienced many sunrises and sunsets! The bedrooms are roomy and awesome views from each, there are two bathrooms and that was great for six of us. The cabin has all the things you’d need, kitchen items, towels, bedding, grill, washer/dryer etc. this was my bucket list trip and you helped make this dream trip come true. My heart is still in Glacier/MT and I will be back one day hopefully soon! I highly recommend Char and her beautiful cabin!!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

John H.

2 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic location on Lake McDonald!

Charlene was great to work with! We had our own designated parking spot for the week which was great for loading and unloading the vehicle. We were completely smitten with the lovely views of the lake from our large bedroom windows. The kitchen was well stocked for cooking. It was such a relaxing stay!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Monica G.

25 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake McDonald Paradise

We were so excited when we walked into the cabin! It's beautiful, has great amenities and has a view that you can't replace!! I can't describe lying in bed in the morning with the view of the mountains...other than phenomenal! I loved going out on the dock and doing stretches in the morning and drinking coffee. Char was an amazing host and had great communication!! She was absolutely wonderful!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dan W.

10 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Glacial Bliss

Beautiful location in Glacier National Park

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jack S.

2 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Glacier cabin paradise

Wonderful cabin on Lake McDonald

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

9 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A perfect family vacation

This rental is fantastic! A hidden gem inside a miracle of a park. Our family stayed for a week and had an incredible experience while there. Communication with the host(Char) was terrific throughout the planning stages and while visiting. You can’t beat the location, and the advantages of staying inside the park are tremendous. It’s a quick drive up to Logan Pass, and it was easy for us to make breakfast AND still get up there for a parking spot. If you wanted to sleep in, the shuttle pick up is a very short walk from this cabin. There is nothing better than relaxing on the boat house deck after a day in the park. There was plenty of room for a family of five, and we had the luxury of cooking meals while visiting this magnificent place. We absolutely loved our time there, and the kids already mentioned what they wanted to do for a return trip in the future. We are so thankful to find this listing.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bart B.

30 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

LakeMcdonald Cabin

The Cabin's location is amazing with views of LakeMcdonald that do not dissapoint and easy access that all that Glacier has to offer. Lots of fun with family and friends over the two week stay. Char was great to work with and very responsive. A Great vacation!

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie R.

17 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Park gem

Incredible place and being able to stay in the park is such a giant plus if you are a hiker. Everything in the cabin works and communication with Char was great.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Dorothy N.

9 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A cozy cabin in the heart of Glacier

Our family really enjoyed our stay here - the cabin is well equipped and meets all your basic needs in addition to providing access to the lake/beach and some gorgeous views. The lakefront deck is large but could use some cozier furniture for relaxing and sunning ( basic chairs and a picnic table only on there at thia point); providing a kayak and a paddle board would also be awesome as these are difficult to rent from the nearby lodge ( small availabilyty and large demand, at least in the high season). The septic system at the cabin was a bit touchy ( we ended up using the bathrooms at the adjacent motel amd across the road part of the time) and the kitchen has a leaky sink at present. Of note: the cabin is very closely adjacent (without compromising to the intimate setting) to the Macdonald Motel, so for larger groups can be combined with renting a motel room or two and still allow your group to vacation together.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine P.

26 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home!

What a great property with spectacular views and easy access to everything Glacier has to offer!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sam W.

3 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best vacation rental

The location and views are unbelievable. Charlene was immediately available to answer any questions we had. Couldn’t have been happier. Hope to stay here again in the next few years!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessie M., Fredericksburg, VA USA

21 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful lake view

The cabin on Lake McDonald was very comfortable and well equipped. The large family room with a nice fireplace was a great place to spend time together at night. The weather allowed us to enjoy the outside deck and have dinner there. The view and sunsets were amazingly. We would definitely stay in the cabin again.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

herb D., Park Ridge

15 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect accomodations!

Convenient location to all that is Glacier! Lovely comfortable place just as advertised with all of the amenities that make it a joy. Cocktails and/or dinner on the deck overlooking Lake McDonald is the perfect way to end the day after some challenging hiking! Highly recomended! Herb

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mike D.

3 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location. Perfect house

Avoid the hour long lines to get in the park. No park reservation required. Stay in a house on beautiful Lake McDonald with a deck that overlooks the lake and mountains with all the comforts of home. Need I say more ? Thanks Char ! Keep my number for The Boathouse please !!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Betsy R.

30 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

Our trip was amazing! Char is an excellent host and communicator. The cabin is a gem! Thank you for a wonderful week!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christopher W.

20 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Great house and host! We will be back!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tim P.

13 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Glacier National Park

The property exceeded our expectations. Plenty of room for six women on a reunion get together. The week went by too quickly!,

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bill B.

23 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location

I saw this cabin overlooking Lake McDonald on my last trip to GNP and saved the VRBO number for my next trip. Being able to rent a house inside the park with this amazing location and view is what makes this place so special. Our family of 6 had a great time and enjoyed evening sunsets over the Lake after great days of hiking. The property owner, Charlene, was incredibly helpful and responsive. Hope to come back to this cabin again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

nathan o.

18 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Picturesque views!

Lake McDonald Cabin The views of Lake McDonald from this cabin are absolutely amazing! We felt like everything for a comfortable stay was provided and the location couldn’t have been a better starting point for exploring Glacier National Park. Our family of five (kids 8, 10 & 12) stayed the week of July 4th and enjoyed fireworks at Whitefish Lake, white water rafting, fishing, many incredible hikes and wildlife sightings. We loved the cozy fireplace in the evening and morning coffee on the boat deck. Truly an unforgettable family vacation and we feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to stay in this cabin!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia S.

26 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical!

We loved this cabin on Lake McDonald! It was stocked with everything we needed. We had plenty of wood for the fireplace, which we used the one cold rainy day during our week at GNP. Howe’s Ridge, Mt Stanton, Mt Vaught, Mt McPartland, the Garden Wall, Mt Canon and Mt Brown greeted us every morning! We were sad to say good-bye to these giants of Glacier! The host was super responsive. The boathouse deck was terrific. The location can’t be beat! We loved everything about our stay!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Keith T.

20 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

If you book this cabin you will not be disappointed. Firstly its location is amazing. Literally on the banks of the lake surrounded by snow capped mountains and forests. The views from the deck are even better than the photos. The cabin itself was very clean and plenty big enough for my husband and I and our 2 college age sons. The kitchen is a good size and has plenty of things needed for cooking meals. Char was very good at communicating and we had no problems during our stay. A few tips: it’s a long way to town/restaurants etc (45 mins each way) so we found it easier to stock up on groceries and cook virtually every night. It just seemed easier after a tiring day not to plan a 3 hour+ trip out just to eat! Also make sure you carry paperwork in your car showing you booked the cabin (including dates). The rangers near the front gate are VERY careful at checking everyone due the timed ticket requirement (you don’t need a timed reservation if you have proof of staying in the cabin) These guys made TSA seem like kittens! If you need the fire/stove make sure you read the instructions carefully. It’s a very efficient fireplace but a little different to others. We went during the rain and flooding and there was still plenty to do. White water rafting, kayaking, Apgar overlook trail (my legs still ache), playing chess in front of the big fire at the lodge (food there is so-so). Of course the times we were able to sit on the deck and take in the views we’re definitely memorable. I can’t fault our trip (well apart from the weather!) and this cabin is probably the loveliest we’ve stayed in.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

maureen c.

12 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Glacier hideaway

We cannot imagine a more perfect place to experience Glacier than this lovely cabin. Everything you could possibly want or need is there, and it is so comfortable and cozy. We were in the perfect location, the Lake MacDonald Lodge is a 5 minute walk, the camp store with essentials and souvenirs is a 3 minute walk. Although all the hikes in the west side of Glacier are easily and quickly accessed, you will feel like you are a million miles away from the crowds in your own private Shangri La. The kitchen is fully equipped, the living room with the fireplace is so picturesque, the bedrooms sleep plenty of people comfortably, but the absolute highlight for us was the spectacular boat deck. Every night was glorious, and though we had lots of intermittent rain, but we were still able to enjoy its many moods and splendors. It faces west, and you could not find a better place in the park to recharge after a day of exploring gorgeous Glacier.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

11 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise for a rustic stay inside Glacier National Park

The property’s crown jewel is the view and the view from the deck can’t be beat. It’s rustic and just perfect for a national park. The owner communicates well about the property and what to expect. It’s stocked very well with shampoo and soap etc. Go get a bottle of champagne and drink it overlooking Lake McDonald you’ll never forget it.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2022