Cracker Lake Trail
Anyone who sees a picture of Cracker Lake immediately adds it to their must-do list of Glacier hikes.
Plan Around Cracker Lake Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Cracker Lake Trail Details
Anyone who sees a picture of Cracker Lake immediately adds it to their must-do list of Glacier hikes. The lake, surrounded by steep rock faces, is a vibrant aquamarine in color. Cracker Lake's vibrant blue comes from light refracting through suspended glacial silt. At the head of the lake you'll see the old Cracker Mine. The trail winds along the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake, up a forested ridge, to a meadow often filled with wildflowers. You'll share the first part of the trail with horseback riders from Many Glacier. The trail is often muddy or deeply rutted from the heavy horse use. This is prime grizzly habitat and bears are often seen in the area. Carry bear spray, make noise and travel in groups. Access is via the Many Glacier Trailhead near the Many Glacier Hotel.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
6.1 miles
Estimated time
7 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Cracker Lake Trail
Compare nearby parks around Cracker Lake Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Cracker Lake Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cracker Lake Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint Trail
Glacier National Park's glaciers are disappearing. It's estimated they could be gone as soon as 2030. For now, there is still one you can visit.
0.1 mi away
Grinnell Lake Trail
You can start this hike at the Many Glacier Hotel, or you can shave off about 5 miles of round-trip hiking by taking a boat shuttle and starting your hike from the dock.
0.1 mi away
Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail
This self-guided nature tour loop is not a wilderness experience, but you'll get great views of Swiftcurrent Lake as you walk along the lakeshore.
0.1 mi away
Many Glacier Hotel
Designed to resemble a Swiss chalet, the historic Many Glacier Hotel was built in 1915 by the Great Northern Railway.
0.1 mi away
Eastern Old North Trail Tour
The journey begins in the dramatic Swiftcurrent Valley before traveling through St. Mary and across the historic Old North Trail.
