Lake McDonald - Apgar (Pitchfork Forest) is an intermediate shore dive site in Montana, United States with depths of 3–30 m (10–98 ft). Typically most favorable Jan–Apr · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Lake trout, Lake whitefish, and Cutthroat trout. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.
Tap a factor for its source and model point
Site hazards: Very cold alpine water; high-altitude dive profile; remote park location.
Read the full hazards ↓Dive windows this week
Best: MonFavorable windowModerate window— no window
First light 6:36 · Sunrise 7:07 · Sunset 19:57
Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 2h ago
Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.
Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.
No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.
Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.
What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.
January, February, March, April, July, and September havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.
Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.
Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.
No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.
Data updated June 2026
The largest lake in Glacier National Park, about 472 feet deep, with submerged trees and historic debris on the bottom. A popular and easy dive entry is at Apgar Village, home of the 'Pitchfork Forest' - a field of rakes, axes and pitchforks discarded onto winter ice in the park's early days that sank when the ice melted and were later stood upright by divers. The clear, very cold alpine water and submerged forest near Sprague Creek make it a unique high-altitude freshwater dive.
Very cold alpine water; high-altitude dive profile; remote park location.
Lake McDonald - Apgar (Pitchfork Forest) ranges from 3 to 30 metres deep (10–98 feet). It is a freshwater site rated as intermediate difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.
Lake McDonald - Apgar (Pitchfork Forest) is a shore dive — you can enter from land. The entry is recorded as an easy walk-in. The entry area is recorded as sheltered from surge. Basic facilities are recorded at or near the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.
Lake McDonald - Apgar (Pitchfork Forest) is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 3 to 30 metres (10–98 feet). Access is from shore, with the entry recorded as an easy walk-in. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.
Summer. Summer access; park roads and weather limit cold-season diving. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.
Divers at Lake McDonald - Apgar (Pitchfork Forest) in United States commonly report sightings of Lake trout, Lake whitefish, and Cutthroat trout. Lake trout, Lake whitefish, and Cutthroat trout are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.
Very cold alpine water; high-altitude dive profile; remote park location. Hazards and conditions change, so verify current local information before diving.
No reviews yet — this site is waiting for its first. Dived here? Your rating and a few lines help the next diver.
Spot something off?
Help keep this listing accurate for the next diver.
