Avalanche Lake Glacier National Park
A moderate hike through ancient forests leads to a stunning alpine lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Avalanche Lake Glacier National Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderate hike through ancient forests leads to a stunning alpine lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
"The view is stunning: turquoise water surrounded by tall cliffs and multiple waterfalls cascading down into it."
🎯 Arrive Before 7 AM
Parking lot fills rapidly! Aim for sunrise to guarantee a spot.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
You'll want to linger at the lake. Pack essentials for a longer stay.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Avalanche Lake
End of Avalanche Lake Trail
Turquoise waters framed by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls create a truly breathtaking alpine scene.
Trail of the Cedars
Start of Avalanche Lake Trail
Wander through a magical forest of ancient, giant cedar trees, offering a serene and shaded prelude to the lake.
Cascading Waterfalls
Along Avalanche Lake Trail and at the lake
Multiple stunning waterfalls tumble down the surrounding cliffs, feeding the pristine waters of Avalanche Lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking
Best Time to Hike Avalanche Lake
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before 7 AM
Parking lot fills rapidly! Aim for sunrise to guarantee a spot.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
You'll want to linger at the lake. Pack essentials for a longer stay.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 5-6 mile round trip hike is rewarding but requires good footwear.
🐻 Wildlife Awareness
Be aware of your surroundings; bears have been spotted near the trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before 7 AM
Parking lot fills rapidly! Aim for sunrise to guarantee a spot.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
You'll want to linger at the lake. Pack essentials for a longer stay.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 5-6 mile round trip hike is rewarding but requires good footwear.
🐻 Wildlife Awareness
Be aware of your surroundings; bears have been spotted near the trail.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible from start to finish. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking beauty of Avalanche Lake, describing it as a must-see destination in Glacier National Park. The hike is praised for its scenic variety, from the enchanting Trail of the Cedars to the stunning waterfalls and the final turquoise lake. While the hike is manageable for many, the extreme popularity means early arrival is crucial to avoid crowds and secure parking.
"Avalanche Lake was absolutely gorgeous and worth the hike! The trail is about 2 miles each way and not too difficult—shaded, with streams and waterfalls along the way, so it stays interesting. When you finally reach the lake, the view is stunning: turquoise water surrounded by tall cliffs and multiple waterfalls cascading down into it. It felt peaceful and refreshing, even with other hikers around.
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and bring water/snacks—you’ll want to stay and enjoy the view for a while. Definitely one of my favorite spots in Glacier National Park!"
Elena Ivanova
"We combined this with the trail of the cedars. My alltrails said 7.1 miles and my wifes apple watch said 7.5 when all was said and done but I had heard it was 5.9 beforehand.
Either way, all ages and sizes were accomplishing this hike although most everyone we saw were taking breaks. We were able to do this without taking breaks besides photo ops and spent some time at the lake, exploring. The incline is slow and steady, totaling around 600-700' when done, with barely any of it on the way back. I highly recommend hitting the fishing trail as soon as you see the lake, but also walking to the other side of the lake. The views from both ends are breathtaking.
We got here around 630am on a Wednesday morning in early August, the lot was over half full with cars parking every few seconds. This is one of the more popular hikes. The lot is always full after 7am and you have to wait for spots."
Erik Covert
"One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. We hiked here and I have to say it wasn’t bad at all. We were a family of 5: my husband and I and our kids 12, 10 and 8."
Jennifer Velazquez (Jenny)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Avalanche Lake trailhead is located off the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Parking is available at the trailhead lot, but it fills extremely early. Some visitors have found parking in the picnic area or along the road when the main lot is full.
Glacier National Park offers a free shuttle system during the summer months, which can be a great alternative to driving and parking. Check the park's official website for current shuttle routes and schedules.
The hike to Avalanche Lake is approximately 5.9 miles round trip, though some sources and personal tracking devices report slightly longer distances like 7.1-7.5 miles.
Most visitors take 2-3 hours to complete the Avalanche Lake hike, allowing time for stops and enjoying the scenery.
The Avalanche Lake hike is generally considered easy to moderate. It has a gradual incline with about 750 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible for many hikers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid entrance pass for Glacier National Park is required to access Avalanche Lake and its trailhead.
There are no additional fees for parking at the Avalanche Lake trailhead beyond the park entrance fee. However, securing a spot can be challenging due to high demand.
The Avalanche Lake Trail is open year-round, but is most accessible and enjoyable from late June through September.
No, parking at the Avalanche Lake trailhead is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving very early is the best strategy.
There is no separate fee to hike the Avalanche Lake Trail itself; it is included with your Glacier National Park entrance pass.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The best time to hike Avalanche Lake is from late June to September when the snow has melted and the waterfalls are flowing strongly.
While hiking, you might spot deer, marmots, and occasionally bears. Always maintain a safe distance and be bear aware.
No, pets are not allowed on the Avalanche Lake Trail or the Trail of the Cedars.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, bear spray, sunscreen, insect repellent, and wear sturdy hiking shoes.
While the water is stunning, swimming in Avalanche Lake is generally not recommended due to its icy temperatures and the potential for strong currents from the waterfalls.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the Avalanche Lake trailhead. It's best to pack your own food and snacks for the hike.
Picnicking is permitted in designated areas within Glacier National Park, but not directly at the Avalanche Lake trailhead. Pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area around Avalanche Lake offers stunning photo opportunities, especially the view of the lake with its surrounding waterfalls. Walking to the far side of the lake can offer unique perspectives.
Yes, Avalanche Lake is incredibly photogenic with its vibrant turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and numerous waterfalls, making it a favorite for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The main trail to the lake has a gradual incline, making it manageable for kids aged 8 and up, though many families report taking breaks. Key tips for families: Arrive very early to secure parking, pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider bringing a carrier for very young children if needed. The stunning scenery and the reward of reaching the lake make it a memorable adventure for the whole family.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To further save on costs, consider utilizing the free park shuttle system if available during your visit, which eliminates the need for gas and parking fees.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
As you ascend, the views of Avalanche Creek and the numerous waterfalls offer dynamic compositions.The payoff is the breathtaking Avalanche Lake itself, with its vibrant turquoise hues, dramatic mountain backdrop, and cascading falls.
+1 Experiment with different angles, especially from the far side of the lake, and consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards!Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Avalanche Lake Hike Experience
The trail itself is well-maintained and generally easy to moderate, with a steady, gradual incline. Hikers often describe the journey as interesting, with the sounds of the creek and glimpses of smaller waterfalls keeping the experience engaging. The total distance is around 5.9 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 750 feet, making it achievable for most fitness levels.
+3Upon reaching Avalanche Lake, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking panorama. The lake's striking turquoise water is set against a backdrop of sheer cliffs, from which multiple waterfalls cascade down, feeding the pristine alpine lake. Many recommend exploring the lake's edge, even walking to the far side, to capture different angles and fully appreciate the grandeur of the landscape.
Navigating Crowds and Parking
If you miss out on the trailhead parking, options include parking in the nearby picnic area or along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, though this can add to your walking distance.
Wildlife Encounters
However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential for bear sightings. Grizzlies have been observed in the vicinity, even coming down to swim. Park rangers advise visitors to always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, never feed them, and make noise while hiking to alert animals to your presence. While the trail is generally safe, being prepared and informed is key to a positive and secure wildlife viewing experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit