Mile 16.3 · Stop 9 of 32 · Going-to-the-Sun Road

Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake glitters along a shoreline flanked by steep, forested cliffs.

You are here · Going-to-the-Sun Road

← Avalanche - Trail of the Cedars · mile 16.2 West Tunnel · mile 23.6 →
Insider tip

Arrive before 8am to beat parking crunch

Insider tip

Download offline maps; cell service is poor

The light

Alpenglow potential on western faces; mornings offer softer light and better water clarity

Heads up

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…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.9
Cirque Lake3,905 ftmid-July - late SeptemberRestrooms availableGolden-hour pick

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.

Dense woods & mountains surround this scenic lake known for its hiking trails & abundant wildlife.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
Trailhead at Trail of the Cedars; Avalanche Lake spur trail leads to the shoreline; total distance ~6 miles RT.
Distance From Entrance
6.0 miles round-trip (some sources ~4.6 miles RT if shoreline not circumnavigated)
Road Type
Paved approach to the trailhead; forest road sections and parking areas
Parking Availability
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.
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills by early morning during peak season
GPS Coordinates
48.6772° N, 113.8215° W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late June through September; photograph with morning light and watch for Going-to-the-Sun Road openings mid-July.
Best Visit Times
Morning or late afternoon; avoid peak middays in July–August
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential on western faces; mornings offer softer light and better water clarity
Best Season
Late June–September
Busiest Season
July and August
Seasonal Access
Going-to-the-Sun Road typically open mid-July to late September; best hiking period is late June–September
Road Opening Dates
Going-to-the-Sun Road open mid-July to late September
Snow Lingering
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 Patterns
Mountain weather with cool temperatures and potential afternoon storms; snowmelt drives waterfalls in early season

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Cirque Lake
Main Features
Glacial cirque lake, high cliffs, shoreline viewing area
What Youll 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.
Unique Characteristics
Glacial cirque lake within Glacier National Park, UNESCO World Heritage site; proximity to Sperry Glacier indicates ongoing glacial influence
Photo Opportunities
Golden-hour reflections on the water, mist from snowmelt in July, forested cliff backdrop
Photography Spots
Shoreline edge for reflections; early morning light; dramatic backdrops from cliff faces
Best Viewpoints
Shoreline viewing area along the lake's edge; optimal angles are along the waterline where the cliff faces reflect in quiet mornings
Common Wildlife
Deer, marmots, rabbits, bears (grizzly and black), chipmunks, jays; mountain goats and bighorn sheep at higher elevations
Best Wildlife Times
Early morning and late afternoon
Geological Formation Type
Cirque Lake
Scientific Interest
Pleistocene glaciation shaped the landscape; glacial cirque formation; UNESCO WHS context
Stargazing Quality
Dark skies typical; good viewing when skies are clear

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Vault toilets at the Avalanche Lake trailhead; flush toilets and running water at nearby Avalanche Campground
Picnic Areas
1
Water Available
1
Cell Service
Extremely limited to non-existent; download offline maps
Interpretive Signs
1
Accessibility
Trailhead accessible; first half-mile wheelchair accessible; beyond is steep
Accessibility Level
Moderate; first 0.5 miles (Trail of the Cedars) wheelchair-accessible; beyond that, trail steep and uneven
Nearby Services
Avalanche Picnic Area; Trail of the Cedars trailhead restrooms; Avalanche Campground flush toilets; no on-trail water
Nearby Facilities
Trailhead vault toilets; Avalanche Campground flush toilets; picnic area; parking
Family Friendly Notes
Trail is moderately strenuous; keep children close near water; watch for slippery roots and rocks

Safety

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

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Trail of the Cedars; Going-to-the-Sun Road; Sperry Glacier region
Connecting Trails
Avalanche Lake Trail connects to Trail of Cedars; potential shoreline loop extensions
Trailheads Here
Avalanche Lake trailhead spur from Trail of the Cedars

Planning advice

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
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
Glacier National Park, Montana
Elevation Feet
3905
Waterfall Height
≈2000 ft
Fishing Species
Westslope cutthroat trout
Review Summary
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

Continue the drive

← Previous stop · mile 16.2 Avalanche - Trail of the Cedars Next stop → · mile 23.6 West Tunnel

See every stop on the drive →

Location

Avalanche Lake surrounded by mossy rocks and dense forest, with a rushing stream feeding a blue alpine lake in Glacier National Park.Avalanche Lake amidst Glacier National Park's soaring peaks and dense evergreen forest.Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park, a turquoise alpine lake framed by rugged peaks and evergreen forests.Avalanche Lake along a rocky stream in Glacier National Park, surrounded by evergreen trees and sunlit pines.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes. Parking at Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Picnic Area fills very early in peak season; overflow parking may be down the road.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vulture Peak

Glaciated peak with Precambrian Belt rocks; backcountry scramble to the summit.

Numa Peak

Numa Peak rises above Bowman Lake; Numa Ridge Lookout reveals vast alpine views.

Pyramid Peak

Granite peak sharpened by glacial ice; scrambling to Pyramid Peak from Pyramid Pass.

Grace Lake

Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.

Mount Vaught

8,854 ft peak in the Livingston Range; scrambling ascent; Belt Supergroup rocks thrust by Lewis Overthrust.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.