Avalanche Lake: Glacier National Park’s Gem

Glacier National Park Photography

Glacier National Park in Montana is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and Avalanche Lake stands out as a must visit destination for hikers. My recent trip to this stunning alpine lake offered a perfect mix of scenic beauty, accessible trails, and serene moments in one of America’s most iconic parks. Here’s an account of my adventure, along with practical information to help you plan your own visit to Avalanche Lake.

Morning: Arrival and Trailhead

I arrived at Glacier National Park’s West Entrance around 7 a.m. to beat the crowds and secure parking along Going to the Sun Road. I always advise arriving to national parks before 7 because of the crowds. Nothing is worse than preparing for a hike a being stuck on line waiting to enter. You can lose hours of your day by sleeping in for 30 minutes.

The Avalanche Lake trailhead is located near Lake McDonald, just past the Avalanche Creek Gorge. I usually brew coffee and oatmeal in the parking lot since I don’t have time to eat before hitting the road. It’s usually quiet at this hour with crisp air filled with the scent of cedar and pine, setting a refreshing tone for the day.

The Hike: Nature’s Masterpiece

The Avalanche Lake trail spans 4.6 miles round trip with a gentle 500 feet of elevation gain, making it suitable for most hikers. The journey begins along the Trail of the Cedars, a flat, wheelchair accessible boardwalk winding through a lush forest of towering western red cedars and hemlocks. The roar of Avalanche Creek, rushing through a moss-covered gorge, creates a misty, almost magical atmosphere. Once in a while you may encounter a grizzly bear so hiking around people and with bear mace is a safety precaution.

After about a half mile, the trail branches off toward Avalanche Lake, climbing steadily through dense forest. The well maintained path offers occasional views of the creek and small waterfalls.

Make sure to keep your head on a swivel because you’ll have a bunch of different vantage points from mountains to rivers to lakes trees, birds, and so on. It’s quite a spectacular hike which is why so many people tend to make this one of their primary day hikes.

I spent an hour at the lake, enjoying a packed lunch and soaking in the tranquility. The rocky shore provided a perfect spot to rest, and I dipped my feet in the chilly water. For those seeking more, a faint trail along the lake’s edge offers additional views, but I chose to relax and capture photos of the stunning scenery. The animals are partially domesticated from other hikers feeding them, which is not advised. The blue birds, ducks, etc. will get closer than you may expect. 

Midday: Exploring Nearby

Returning to the trailhead by noon, I took time to complete the Trail of the Cedars loop, which features interpretive signs about the local ecosystem.

Depending on the time of day, how long it takes you to hike you may be able to also drive along theGoing to the Sun Road to Logan Pass, about 30 minutes from the trailhead. The road’s panoramic views of mountains and valleys complemented the hike perfectly. When I visit a Glacier, I was able to tack on a bunch of different day hikes on the single days. I saw a lot of the park in my one week there.

Practical Information for Visitors

Trail Details: The Avalanche Lake trail is 4.6 miles round-trip with 500 feet of elevation gain, rated easy to moderate. Plan for 2 to 3 hours, plus time to enjoy the lake.

Getting There: The trailhead is off Going to the Sun Road near the Avalanche Creek parking area. A park entrance fee per vehicle, valid is required. You may need an additional reservation to enter the Going to the Sun Road depending on the time of the year. 

What to Bring: Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket, as mountain weather can shift rapidly. Bear spray is advised, as Glacier is home to grizzly bears; make noise while hiking to avoid encounters.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall (June to September) offers snow-free trails and vibrant scenery. Check the National Park Service website for trail conditions and road updates.