6-Mile Avalanche Lake: Alpine Cirque in Glacier Park

Avalanche Lake at Glacier National Park reflects surrounding granite peaks across a tranquil alpine lake.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48.6772° N, 113.8215° W
Accessibility: Trailhead accessible; first half-mile wheelchair accessible; beyond is steep

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Trail of the Cedars; Going-to-the-Sun Road; Sperry Glacier region
Nearby Facilities: Trailhead vault toilets; Avalanche Campground flush toilets; picnic area; parking
Best Time To Visit: Late June through September; photograph with morning light and watch for Going-to-the-Sun Road openings mid-July.
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.
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

More details

Park Area: Glacier National Park, Montana
Family Friendly Notes: Trail is moderately strenuous; keep children close near water; watch for slippery roots and rocks
Attraction Type: Cirque Lake
Elevation Feet: 3905
Distance From Entrance: 6.0 miles round-trip (some sources ~4.6 miles RT if shoreline not circumnavigated)
Accessibility Level: Moderate; first 0.5 miles (Trail of the Cedars) wheelchair-accessible; beyond that, trail steep and uneven
How To Get There: Trailhead at Trail of the Cedars; Avalanche Lake spur trail leads to the shoreline; total distance ~6 miles RT.
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.
Road Type: 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
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
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
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
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
Photography Spots: Shoreline edge for reflections; early morning light; dramatic backdrops from cliff faces
Stargazing Quality: Dark skies typical; good viewing when skies are clear
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential on western faces; mornings offer softer light and better water clarity
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets at the Avalanche Lake trailhead; flush toilets and running water at nearby Avalanche Campground
Picnic Areas: 1
Interpretive Signs: 1
Cell Service: Extremely limited to non-existent; download offline maps
Water Available: 1
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
Nearby Services: Avalanche Picnic Area; Trail of the Cedars trailhead restrooms; Avalanche Campground flush toilets; no on-trail water
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
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
Best Visit Times: Morning or late afternoon; avoid peak middays in July–August
Best Season: Late June–September
Weather Patterns: Mountain weather with cool temperatures and potential afternoon storms; snowmelt drives waterfalls in early season
Peak Fill Times: Parking fills by early morning during peak season
Busiest Season: July and August
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