6-Mile Avalanche Lake: Alpine Cirque in Glacier Park

Q: Is it worth the 6-mile hike just to see Avalanche Lake?

Yes. The lake sits in a glacially carved cirque, with a calm shoreline, forested slopes, and potential wildlife sightings that reward the effort.

Q: Can I bring my dog to the Avalanche Lake trail?

The data here doesn’t specify; check Glacier National Park policies before bringing pets to trail sections beyond the Cedars boardwalk.

Q: Will my 65-year-old mother be able to walk to the viewpoint?

Only the first half-mile of the Trail of the Cedars is wheelchair-accessible; the remainder is steep and rocky, so plan accordingly.

Q: Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

The water may appear blue-green due to depth and glacial flour; in person it can look jewel-toned especially where sunlight hits the lake surface.

Q: Is it safe to go during bear season?

Bear activity is normal in this region. Carry bear spray, stay aware of surroundings, and maintain distances if you encounter wildlife.

Q: Do I need a permit or special pass to hike here?

No permit is noted for the Avalanche Lake hike itself; a standard Glacier NP park pass is typically required for entry.

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Type

Cirque Lake

Accessibility

Moderate; first 0.5 miles (Trail of the Cedars) wheelchair-accessible; beyond that, trail steep and uneven

Best Season

Late June–September

Busiest Season

July and August

Features

Glacial cirque lake, high cliffs, shoreline viewing area

Elevation

3,905 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

Avalanche Lake forms a cirque carved by ancient glaciers. Meltwater from Sperry Glacier feeds its turquoise waters, which reach up to 63 feet deep. The lake measures roughly 0.6 miles in length and sits near 3,905 feet elevation. Access is a 4.6–6 mile round-trip from Trail of the Cedars; parking is limited. Be bear-aware and plan ahead for crowds and possible rockfall along the surrounding cliffs.

Quick Facts

Type

Cirque Lake

Elevation

3,905 ft

Access

Moderate; first 0.5 miles (Trail of the Cedars) wheelchair-accessible; beyond that, trail steep and uneven

Main Features

Glacial cirque lake, high cliffs, shoreline viewing area

What You'll See

Shoreline of Avalanche Lake with evergreen slopes and towering, glacially carved rock faces; the cold water and forest backdrop create a stark, dramatic scene.

What Makes It Special

Glacial cirque lake within Glacier National Park, UNESCO World Heritage site; proximity to Sperry Glacier indicates ongoing glacial influence

Best Time to Visit

Late June through September; photograph with morning light and watch for Going-to-the-Sun Road openings mid-July.

Safety Considerations

Gravity from steep cliffs; bears are present; water is extremely cold; trails can be slippery when wet; no barriers at water's edge; carry bear spray and know how to use it

Visitor Tips

Arrive before 8am in peak season; parking fills quickly at Trail of the Cedars.
Start from the Trail of the Cedars trailhead; round-trip is about 6.0 miles.
Bear spray and sturdy boots are essential; download offline maps because cell service is spotty.
Stay on the trail; the lake sits behind steep cliffs with slippery roots and rocks when wet.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Cirque Lake

Elevation: 3,905 ft

Distance from Entrance: 6.0 miles round-trip (some sources ~4.6 miles RT if shoreline not circumnavigated)

GPS: 48.6772° N, 113.8215° W

What Makes It Unique:

Glacial cirque lake within Glacier National Park, UNESCO World Heritage site; proximity to Sperry Glacier indicates ongoing glacial influence

Water Feature Details

Height: ≈2000 ft

Fish Species: Westslope cutthroat trout

Geology

Formation Type: Cirque Lake

Scientific Interest:

Pleistocene glaciation shaped the landscape; glacial cirque formation; UNESCO WHS context

Getting There

Directions:

Trailhead at Trail of the Cedars; Avalanche Lake spur trail leads to the shoreline; total distance ~6 miles RT.

Access Type: Moderate; first 0.5 miles (Trail of the Cedars) wheelchair-accessible; beyond that, trail steep and uneven

Road: Paved approach to the trailhead; forest road sections and parking areas

Seasonal Access: Going-to-the-Sun Road typically open mid-July to late September; best hiking period is late June–September

Parking: Parking at Trail of the Cedars Trailhead and Avalanche Picnic Area fills before 8:00 AM in peak season; overflow parking may be down the road.

Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Avalanche Lake trailhead spur from Trail of the Cedars

Connecting Trails:

Avalanche Lake Trail connects to Trail of Cedars; potential shoreline loop extensions

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Shoreline viewing area along the lake's edge; optimal angles are along the waterline where the cliff faces reflect in quiet mornings

Photo Opportunities:

Golden-hour reflections on the water, mist from snowmelt in July, forested cliff backdrop

Best Photo Spots:

Shoreline edge for reflections; early morning light; dramatic backdrops from cliff faces

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow potential on western faces; mornings offer softer light and better water clarity

Stargazing: Dark skies typical; good viewing when skies are clear

Facilities

Restrooms (Vault toilets at the Avalanche Lake trailhead; flush toilets and running water at nearby Avalanche Campground)
Potable Water
Picnic Areas
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Extremely limited to non-existent; download offline maps

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Deer, marmots, rabbits, bears (grizzly and black), chipmunks, jays; mountain goats and bighorn sheep at higher elevations

Best Wildlife Viewing: Early morning and late afternoon

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late June–September

Best Times: Morning or late afternoon; avoid peak middays in July–August

Road Opens: Going-to-the-Sun Road open mid-July to late September

Busiest: July and August

Parking Fills: Parking fills by early morning during peak season

Snow Until: Snowmelt enhances waterfalls in early July; patches may linger into midsummer

Winter Access: Limited; winter access requires snow travel and is not typical for casual hikers

Weather:

Mountain weather with cool temperatures and potential afternoon storms; snowmelt drives waterfalls in early season

Activities

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Trail of the Cedars; Going-to-the-Sun Road; Sperry Glacier region

Nearby Services:

Avalanche Picnic Area; Trail of the Cedars trailhead restrooms; Avalanche Campground flush toilets; no on-trail water

Insider Tips

Arrive before 8am to beat parking crunch
Download offline maps; cell service is poor
Carry bear spray and know how to use it
Weather can change fast; pack extra layers

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Trailhead accessible; first half-mile wheelchair accessible; beyond is steep

Family Friendly:

Trail is moderately strenuous; keep children close near water; watch for slippery roots and rocks

Nearby Facilities:

Trailhead vault toilets; Avalanche Campground flush toilets; picnic area; parking

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 293 Google reviews

Based on 293 guest reviews

" Rated 4.9 from 292 reviews; visitors praise the lake’s scenery and proximity to wildlife, though parking and crowds can be challenging in peak season"

Reviews from Google

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!

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.

Beautiful, well-maintained trail with stunning views from start to finish. The hike winds through lush forest along Avalanche Creek, and ends at the breathtaking Avalanche Lake — crystal-clear water, towering cliffs, and waterfalls. We even spotted a deer and marmot along the way. A must-do in Glacier National Park!

Showing 3 of 293 reviews