Avalanche Lake Trail
Avalanche Lake is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park.
Plan Around Avalanche Lake Trail
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Avalanche Lake Trail Details
Avalanche Lake is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park. It's an easy hike to a spectacular alpine lake. You aren't going to be alone on this trail, but it's still worth checking out. The hike begins on the popular Trail of the Cedars, where you'll walk among ancient giant trees on an accessible boardwalk. The trail takes you to Avalanche Gorge, a sight not to be missed. Aquamarine water cuts through the rock, and spray from the frothing water allows for lush moss to grow along the sides of the creek. The trail then follows Avalanche Creek through the forest to Avalanche Lake. Avalanche Lake sits in a bowl, surrounded by high mountains. Waterfalls from snowmelt race down the mountain faces into the turquoise lake. Remember, Glacier is grizzly country. Carry bear spray, make noise and travel in groups. The trailhead is at Avalanche Creek.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
3.1 miles
Estimated time
2.15 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Avalanche Lake Trail
Compare nearby parks around Avalanche Lake Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Avalanche Lake Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Avalanche Lake Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Avalanche Campground
Nestled amid old-growth cedar and hemlock trees, Avalanche Campground is one of the park's most popular camping sites.
0.3 mi away
Avalanche Creek
Avalanche Creek, with its glacier-fed turquoise water and the bright-colored moss and lush foliage on its banks, has an ethereal quality.
0.3 mi away
Trail of the Cedars
This self-guided nature trail takes you through an old-growth cedar forest along a wheelchair accessible boardwalk.
1.3 mi away
Red Rock Point
Deep burnt-red rocks contrast against icy glacial turquoise waters at Red Rock Point.
