Iceberg Lake

Iceberg Lake: a glacial cirque lake with late-summer icebergs set beneath towering Belt rocks.

Insider tip

Check current trail and road conditions before setting out.

Insider tip

Carry accessible bear spray and know how to use it.

The light

Alpenglow potential; early sunrise casting light across the cirque

Heads up

Bear habitat; carry bear spray; travel in groups and make noise; weather can change quickly with afternoon thunderstorms; lake water is extremely cold; no safe…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.8
Cirque Lake6,094 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Iceberg Lake sits in a high cirque, its surface framed by snow-dusted walls and Mount Wilbur. Icebergs linger into midsummer as the lake remains fed by cold glacier melt. This is a glacial cirque lake formed by Pleistocene ice; the surrounding peaks rise more than 3,000 feet above the water, built from Belt Supergroup rocks.

Lake inside Glacier National Park offering views of Iceberg Peak & Mount Wilbur.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

What Youll See
Iceberg Lake with a northeastern shoreline for quiet viewing; dramatic peaks and cold, clear water fed by glaciers
Unique Characteristics
Iceberg Lake hosts lingering icebergs into late summer; alpine setting framed by Belt Supergroup cliffs

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Timing depends on current trail conditions rather than a guaranteed season. Check the Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trail status before departure; early-season snow and steep snow hazards are possible, and autumn conditions can change quickly.
Seasonal Access
Seasonal access varies with road, trail, snow, and bridge conditions. Check current Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trail conditions before departure; do not assume the trail is fully open by mid-July or remains open through October.

Getting there and doing it

How To Get There
The Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead is behind Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in the Many Glacier area. Confirm current road, trail, and access conditions with Glacier National Park before departure.
Parking Availability
Parking is limited, and congestion can temporarily restrict access to an area. Check current Many Glacier road and parking information before departure; an early arrival does not guarantee a space.

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
9.6-10 miles round-trip
Road Type
Paved, seasonal
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills by very early morning in peak season; plan for overflow
GPS Coordinates
48°48′44″N 113°44′59″W

When to go

Best Visit Times
Very early morning or late afternoon in the mid-June to October window
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential; early sunrise casting light across the cirque
Best Season
Mid-June through October
Busiest Season
July–August
Road Opening Dates
Roads open by mid-July; peak access occurs through October
Snow Lingering
Lingering snow possible into shoulder seasons; traction cleats recommended early season
Winter Access
Limited; winter access not typical for this trail; snowpack dominates the landscape
Weather Patterns
Afternoon thunderstorms common in warmer months; quick changes are typical
Wildflower Peak
Mid-July to late August
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to early October

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Cirque Lake
Main Features
Glacial cirque lake, Iceberg Peak, Mount Wilbur, Belt Supergroup rock faces
Photo Opportunities
Golden hour reflections on the lake; late afternoon light on the west-facing cirque; icebergs and crystal water
Photography Spots
Along the northeastern shore and upper viewpoints toward Iceberg Peak; late-afternoon light on the cirque is prime
Best Viewpoints
Northeastern shoreline; along the trail where viewpoints unfold toward Iceberg Peak and Mount Wilbur
Common Wildlife
Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, ground squirrels
Best Wildlife Times
Early morning and late afternoon
Geological Formation Type
Cirque
Scientific Interest
Glacial geomorphology; Belt Supergroup geology; persistence of glacial features into present-day alpine conditions
Stargazing Quality
Excellent under dark, clear skies

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Unreliable; satellite device recommended
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Trail is long with substantial elevation gain; not wheelchair accessible
Accessibility Level
Not wheelchair accessible
Nearby Services
Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; trailhead vault toilets
Nearby Facilities
Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; vault toilets at the trailhead
Family Friendly Notes
Long hike with steep initial climb; bring kids along only if prepared for a strenuous day; bear awareness is essential

Safety

Safety Considerations
Bear habitat; carry bear spray; travel in groups and make noise; weather can change quickly with afternoon thunderstorms; lake water is extremely cold; no safety barriers; steep initial climb

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Ptarmigan Falls, Ptarmigan Wall, Swiftcurrent Valley
Connecting Trails
Iceberg Lake Trail links with network of Many Glacier trails
Trailheads Here
Iceberg Lake Trailhead behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Check current trail and road conditions before setting out.
  • Carry accessible bear spray and know how to use it.
  • Hike in a group, make noise, and keep children close.
  • Avoid very early, very late, or dark hiking.
  • Treat early-season snow and steep snow as serious hazards; confirm current conditions before relying on traction equipment.

More details

Park Area
Many Glacier
Recent Updates
Use the Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead behind Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Before setting out, check the current NPS trail-status report and Many Glacier road conditions; snow, wildlife activity, weather and temporary restrictions can change access.
Elevation Feet
6094
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Height
No waterfall at Iceberg Lake; the feature is a glacier-carved cirque lake.
Waterfall Flow Rate
Not applicable; there is no waterfall on the lake.
Lake Size
108 acres
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Visitors describe a striking alpine lake framed by imposing peaks; the experience combines dramatic scenery with practical considerations like parking and bear safety

Location

Iceberg Lake area in Glacier National Park reveals a deep valley flanked by forested slopes and distant snow-capped peaks.Iceberg Lake sits at glacier-fed turquoise waters surrounded by snow-dusted peaks in Glacier National Park.Hiker on Iceberg Lake Trail with rugged Glacier peaks overlooking a lush valley in Glacier National Park.Iceberg Lake trail area in Glacier National Park shown on an informational signboard.

Frequently asked questions

Will the trail be open when I arrive?

Not necessarily. Snow, steep snow hazards, autumn storms, and seasonal bridge changes can affect conditions, so check the current Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trail status before departure.

Can I bring my dog on the Iceberg Lake trail?

No. Pets are not permitted on Glacier National Park trails or in the backcountry, so this is not a pet-friendly hike.

Do I need to arrive before 6am to get parking?

Do not rely on a specific arrival time. Parking is limited and congestion may restrict access; confirm current Many Glacier parking and road conditions before departure.

What bear precautions should I take?

Carry bear spray where you can reach it and know how to use it. Hike in a group, make noise, keep children close, and avoid hiking very early, very late or after dark, following NPS bear-safety guidance.

Is the hike suitable for a first-time hiker or older visitor?

The official route is 4.8 miles one way with 1,765 feet of elevation gain and 624 feet of elevation loss outbound. Decide based on your group’s fitness, weather, and current trail conditions; confirm conditions before departure.

Is the hike worth the long distance?

The trail leads to a popular turquoise lake known for ice floes and mountain scenery, but the 9.6-mile round trip and elevation change are meaningful commitments. Choose it only if that effort and current conditions fit your group.

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.

Two Medicine Picnic Area

Two Medicine’s lake and peaks reward a future picnic; road access is closed as of September 9, 2026.

Monument Falls

215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.

Lake McDonald

A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.

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.