Paddleboarding in Glacier National Park Guide
Let’s go paddleboarding in Glacier National Park!
This fun and easy watersports activity is the perfect add-on to any itinerary, and it offers up incredible views of the park that you just can’t replicate from the shore.
Because of the low cost of renting and how simple it is to learn, paddleboarding in Glacier is an excellent family friendly activity that even younger kids can participate in.
In the guide below, you’ll learn about everything you need to compare, rent, and use your paddleboard in Glacier. I’ve also included a short review of the specific company we went with and must have items to bring along on your experience.
Whether you go with a rental from a third party company, or use one of the park’s concessionaires, paddleboarding on Lake McDonald or one of the many other lakes is an experience you’ll never forget!
You can’t beat the scenery while paddleboarding in Glacier National Park!
This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links below, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.
Where can you go paddleboarding in Glacier National Park?
Technically, you could paddleboard in any of the lakes in Glacier National Park, but there are a few things that would prevent that from happening.
First of all, many of the lakes are only accessible via hiking such as the Grinnell Lake Trail in Many Glacier or the Avalanche Lake Trail along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Toting a paddleboard (or even an inflatable board and tiny air compressor) isn’t comfortable or feasible for several miles along dirt trails.
Secondly, many of the lakes in Glacier are windy, thanks to the gusts that come over the mountains and ripple the lakes’ surfaces.
The only place you can rent paddleboards in Glacier National Park is at Lake McDonald, which is consistently calmer than St. Mary Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake, or Two Medicine Lake.
But even Lake McDonald can see wind gusts that push paddleboarders far out into the lake. When we rented b during our last visit, the employee helping us mentioned he’d been out just the day before to tow 2 exhausted paddleboarders back to the kayak launch after a wind came up.
That being said, you will sometimes see visitors bring their own boards to the other lakes using the kayak launches. If you do this, look at the weather and wind reports carefully. St. Mary Lake especially can see gusts up to nearly 50 miles per hour, which would make for an awful experience paddleboarding.
Plus, these lakes are all large: if you got blown off course or away from shore, you’re going to have a long, tiring paddle ahead of you to get back to the launch area.
How to Rent Paddleboards in Glacier National Park
There are a couple of options on how to rent a paddleboard for your time in Glacier.
Renting from an company outside of the park
PIN ME!
Your first option is to rent one from a vendor outside of the park and then transport the board to your desired paddling location.
Places like Glacier Water Rentals or Glacier Clear Water, both in Hungry Horse, Montana, offer paddleboard rentals that are cheaper than what you’d find in the park. Both companies also offer car racks if you don’t already have one.
Another upside of renting from an outside company is that you’re not limited to just one place in the park if the weather is nice—you can lake hop in various areas of Glacier or even add in a quick trip to Hungry Horse Reservoir about 20 minutes from the park’s western entrance.
Plus, Glacier Clear Water has see-through paddleboards as well as see-through kayak rentals, which is an incredible way to see even more of the crystal clear lakes in this area of Montana.
The downside to the off-site rentals is two-fold: you have to get the paddleboards to the park, and then you have to find reasonably close parking to then put the paddelboard in the water.
Putting a paddleboard and car rack on your rental car comes with its own risks, as you’ll have to pay for any scratching or damage that process does to your rental car.
If you’re planning to haul your board into the park and put in at Lake McDonald, parking is very, very limited and you may end up hauling your board for quite a ways. The outside companies do have paddleboard trolleys that you can take with you to make that process easier, but, again, that’s one more thing you’ll need to put in your rental car.
Renting from a company inside the park
The second option is to rent from one of the vendors inside of the park.
The downside to this option is that these rentals are more expensive and usually have fewer options on times to rent (1 or 2 hours, usually, and no multi-day rentals like the outside companies).
Plus, you won’t find any see-through paddleboards here.
Let’s talk about the upsides of renting from a company in the park.
The paddleboard companies are close to Lake McDonald, the best place for beginners and families to try their hands at this fun sport.
The ones you CAN rent from the companies inside of the park are very sturdy, though, and are excellent even for beginners.
Plus, you are so close to a kayak launch with these companies that getting to the lake is a breeze—no car rack required.
Plan more adventures at Glacier National Park:
Paddleboarding on Lake McDonald: What to Know
After weighing the pros and cons of renting from the in-park companies and those outside of Glacier, you’ll then need to decide where you’ll want to paddleboard.
Since we wanted an easy experience that would fit neatly into our already packed itinerary, we decided to go with Flathead Outdoors inside the park and very near to Lake McDonald. (Keep scrolling for a quick review of our experience with them.)
Plus, we wouldn’t have to worry about leaving the park to get the board and then return it between our other adventures along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Instead, renting inside Glacier allowed us to park our truck at the Apgar visitors center, walk over to Apgar Village via the bike path, and then quickly get our paddleboards for a 2 hour session.
Lake McDonald Paddleboard Rental Company Options
The stars mark the 3 in-park outfitters in Agpar Village near Lake McDonald
Flathead Outdoors is one of the in-park companies and it is located about 300 yards from the Lake McDonald public beach. As of the 2024 season, it was the closest paddleboard rental to the lake, but they’re getting some competition for the 2025 season!
Starting this year, the Glacier Park Boat Company will offer paddleboard rentals for the first time. This company has a small rental office RIGHT on the lake, so that makes for a very convenient option.
That being said, Flathead Outdoors is still one that I’d recommend for your Lake McDonald paddleboarding. The rentals, which start at $37 for 2 hours, also include a lifejacket, dry bags, bungee cords and carabiners, a rolling trolley (if requested), and paddle.
The Glacier Park Boat Company will start at $24.50 per hour (coming in at $47 for a 2 hour session), and only includes a paddle and life jacket.
Even though Glacier Park Boat Company’s rentals are more convenient, you’re getting more bang for your buck with Flathead Outdoors, which makes the paddleboarding process a one stop shop.
NOTE: There is a 3rd option for the 2025 summer season in Glacier Outfitters, which is located further down Lake View Drive from Flathead Outdoors. Their rates are competitive with Flathead Outdoors and they do let visitors borrow dry bags with a rental while supplies last each day.
Review of Flathead Outdoors Rental
As I mentioned earlier, we rented our paddleboards through Flathead Outfitters, which is a choice that I am still happy with—and would rent from again.
(And to be clear, I didn’t get any compensation for our rental with them, nor am I an affiliate. I paid for this rental myself, and they had no idea I was planning to write about this, so all opinions truly are my own.)
The paddleboards we rented from Flathead Outdoors
The rental process was incredibly easy, even when we were visiting during peak season in July. I’d booked 2 paddleboards online the day before we wanted to go, and the employee who was there when we went to pick up the boards was helpful and prompt.
From the time we arrived to the time we got into the lake was less than 30 minutes, and he even gave us some extra time to get to the water before starting the official clock.
Flathead Outdoors uses High Society paddleboards which are incredibly sturdy and well made. They each hold up to 300 pounds, so my husband and I each took one child along on our boards as a passenger.
Even with the kids being squirmy as kids like to do, I always felt in control of my board. We even temporarily lashed our boards together so that the kids could switch boards halfway through the ride, and no one fell in!
We’re not new to paddleboarding and we seek out rentals when we travel, like we did at The Vineyards Campground in Grapevine, Texas, or at Ridgway State Park in Colorado.
The High Society boards from Flathead Outfitters are the most stable boards I’ve used so far.
I also loved that the boards come with a bungee cord on the front to stow bags, and the rental fee includes a life jacket, dry bags, carabiners to help attach items to the bungee cords, and the paddle.
Parking for Lake McDonald Watersports
The paddleboarding access on the public beach is located in Apgar Village near the western entrance to Glacier National Park.
You do NOT need a vehicle reservation to access this part of the park, which makes it an ideal option for those with limited time who just want a taste of what Glacier’s all about.
>> For more information on Glacier National Park’s vehicle reservations system, check out my complete guide here. <<
The Apgar Village area is well worth a visit on its own, either before or after your paddleboarding adventures. You’ll find cute shops, a coffee bar, cafe, and boat dock here.
However, despite the area’s popularity and many draws, it does not have enough parking. There aren’t any specific parking spots allotted to any of the in-park outfitters, so you’ll need to be patient and circle for a parking spot no matter which company you’ve chosen to go through for your rental.
We found the most luck with the spots nearest the Nature Center and across the street from Eddie’s Mercantile, but those required a lot of waiting around for people to return to their cars. If you rented from an outside-the-park company, you’ll need to take this route, annoying as it may be, so you don’t have to haul your kayak so far.
A much easier option is to park at the Agpar visitors center (which also has free parking, just much more of it) and walking the 1/4 mile through the forest to the village. From here, you can easy hop over to any of the 3 rental companies servicing Lake McDonald and then walk your kayak to the public beach.
Bathrooms near Lake McDonald
Before you head out onto the water for your paddleboarding session, stop by the public restrooms.
(This is particularly important if you’re adventuring with little kids who always wait until the worst possible moment to announce they need to go!)
There is a large public restroom building with flush toilets between Eddie’s Mercantile and the Montana House art gallery on Lake View Road.
They are around to the right side of the beige clapboard NPS building.
What to Expect out on the Lake
Our family out on our 2 paddleboards
Aim to go on a sunny, clear day if at all possible as this is when the paddleboarding will be the easiest, and you’ll get the best views of the crystal clear water and the mountains beyond the end of the lake.
If you’re new to paddleboarding, you’ll want to practice a bit before you head out to deeper water. There’s a short stretch between the rental boat dock near the public beach and a second long dock if you’re paddling to the right.
The water is around 15-20 feet deep here near the shore, which is enough for you to get the feel of paddleboarding without being so far out that you couldn’t quickly get to shore if you get scared or overwhelmed.
If you initially feel unsteady on the board, try paddling in a criss-cross applesauce position, crouched down with your feet tucked under you, or kneeling.
All of these approaches will still let you control your paddleboard without the wobbly feeling you get by fully standing.
Once you get your balance (and it does take a minute!), you can try to stand. You might need to repeat the process a few times, but you’ll get the hang of it and will be cruising the lake before you know it.
Pick a clear, calm day for the best experience—and views!
Having a calm, clear day with no wind makes this experience so much easier as you don’t have to worry about waves, wind, or current messing up your balance as you learn. Plus, you won’t have to paddle as hard, so you can focus on the beautiful surroundings.
When you’re feeling confident, continue to your right from the public beach. This is the quickest way to get away from the crowds and get out into more serene parts of the lake.
You’ll quickly realize that you can see very far down into the lake! We were able to see trout about 50-70 feet below us because the water is so clear.
Unless you’re a strong paddleboarder, I wouldn’t recommend going too far into the open waters of the lake.
By sticking close-ish to the shore, you’ll also be able to spot wildlife while you paddle like moose, birds, or deer.
For a 2 hour rental, I’d suggest paddling to the right for about 45 minutes, stopping at intervals to look for fish and other wildlife. Then, turn back at the 45 minute mark to retrace your steps (or wake?) to return to the public beach. Doing so will allow you time to get your boards back to the outfitter before your time is up.
If you’re thinking, “well, that’s not much time to see the entire lake!” let me assure you: even when a full day rental, you probably won’t see the entire 10 mile long lake, and you’d be exhausted if you even tried.
A 2 hour rental is a great amount of time for the average visitor who wants a quick but enjoyable experience on one of Montana’s most iconic lakes.
Keep in mind that the water is never really warm here, even in the depths of summer. Even in July and August, the water won’t get much higher than 65 degrees near the surface, which makes for a crisp plunge if you fall in. (As someone who lives on the South Carolina coast, 65 degree water is practically frigid!)
My daughter gets her balance on her paddleboard near the public beach at Lake McDonald
What to Bring Paddleboarding in Glacier
The rental companies will have many of these items as add-ons or freebies with a rental, but each company is different. Call ahead to ask so that you’re prepared for your time out on the water!
Waterproof phone case
If you don’t bring anything else, I would suggest a waterproof phone case.
Not only do these give you the ability to safely use your phone while you’re on the water, but they’re a lifesaver if you happen to fall off your board with your phone.
You can wear these around your neck for extra security, while still having your phone at hand to get those gorgeous photos of the lake and your paddleboarding experience.
These cases are different from dry bags as they are especially made to protect electronics, while dry bags are for keeping things like shirts, keys, towels, and the like from getting splashed.
You’ll want to bring a dry bag, too, but I would suggest keeping your phone in the case instead of the dry bag. You won’t have to fiddle so much to use the phone as you would if you’re getting it in and out of a dry bag, and that means fewer opportunities to drop the phone into the depths of Lake McDonald or your chosen spot!
Towels
While you’re probably not planning to swim during your time paddleboarding, you never know what might happen if you lose your balance.
Even if you stay on the board without any issues, your feet and legs will get splashed by the spray from paddling around.
For either situation, a dry towel is much appreciated at the end of your rental session. We use these quick dry Turkish towels on our hiking and camping trips, and always pack a couple when we’re out paddleboarding. We put them in dry bags and then place them inside our backpacks, which are then lashed to the front of the board with bungee cords.
Water shoes
While you could go barefoot, I don’t know that I’d recommend it. You’ll have to leave your shoes behind on the beach, and you won’t get as much grip on the board without shoes on.
Plus, the experience of hauling the paddleboard in and out of the water is more enjoyable when you have something protecting your feet.
I love the Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals, which are excellent for water sports like paddleboarding, hiking in places like The Narrows in Zion, or exploring areas like Fort De Soto or Egmont Key. They dry quickly, yet have a tough sole that sees me through just about any summer adventure.
I’ve had mine for several years, and they’re still going strong, despite me wearing them constantly.
Sunscreen
While you’re out on the water, there’s no cover, and the sun can get warm here mid-day in the summer.
Plus, the reflections from the water can enhance this effect, so you can get much more sun than you’d expect while you’re out.
Don’t let a sunburn affect your time in Glacier, and use sunscreen before you head out.
Water bottle
You’ll want to bring along a filled water bottle with you as you’re likely to get thirsty during your 2-4 hour adventure on the lake.
If you don’t pack a drink, there’s no easy place to stop and get a bottle of water, even on the populated Lake McDonald near Apgar Village. If you’ve brought a rental board to St. Mary Lake or Swiftcurrent Lake, you’ll have even fewer options in these more remote areas of the park.
Final Thoughts on Paddleboarding in Glacier National Park
We loved our experience paddleboarding on Lake McDonald, and it is high on our lists of things to do again the next time we’re visiting Glacier.
The process of paddleboarding here is easy enough that anyone can do it, and it provides a unique way to see Glacier National Park’s beauty.
Plus, a 2-hour rental is less than the cost of a souvenir sweatshirt, making it one of the most reasonable paid activities in the park.
My kids talk about this experience anytime someone brings up Glacier, and I highly recommend it as a family friendly addition to your visit.
