Iceberg Lake: Glacier-Carved Cirque in Glacier National Park

Iceberg Lake, nestled beneath dramatic peaks in Glacier National Park, shows turquoise water and floating ice.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48°48′44″N 113°44′59″W
Accessibility: Trail is long with substantial elevation gain; not wheelchair accessible

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Ptarmigan Falls, Ptarmigan Wall, Swiftcurrent Valley
Nearby Facilities: Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; vault toilets at the trailhead
Best Time To Visit: Mid-June through October; roads and facilities are fully open by mid-July. Morning light on the west-facing cirque can be dramatic in the late afternoon.
Tips Advice: Arrive very early to secure a parking spot near the trailhead; the lot fills quickly in peak season.
Treat the hike as a long, steady climb; use traction cleats in early season where snow lingers.
Bear spray is required and keep groups together; noise helps avoid surprising wildlife.
Cell service is unreliable; download offline maps and carry a reliable map.
Insider Tips: Arrive before 6am to secure a parking spot
Move along the northeastern shore for quieter vantage points
Bear spray is essential
Early-season footwear traction helps on lingering snow

More details

Park Area: Many Glacier
Family Friendly Notes: Long hike with steep initial climb; bring kids along only if prepared for a strenuous day; bear awareness is essential
Recent Updates: 2025 parking shift to Many Glacier Hotel due to construction; parking availability impacted
Attraction Type: Cirque Lake
Elevation Feet: 6094
Distance From Entrance: 9.6-10 miles round-trip
Accessibility Level: Not wheelchair accessible
How To Get There: From the Many Glacier area, head to the Iceberg Lake Trailhead behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; parking is limited and often overflows to the Swiftcurrent area. In 2025 construction shifts may route parking to the Many Glacier Hotel lot.
Parking Availability: Limited at the trailhead; fills very early; overflow to Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; 2025 construction may route parking to Many Glacier Hotel
Road Type: Paved, seasonal
Seasonal Access: Open mid-June through October; fully open by mid-July
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Glacial cirque lake, Iceberg Peak, Mount Wilbur, Belt Supergroup rock faces
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
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
Best Viewpoints: Northeastern shoreline; along the trail where viewpoints unfold toward Iceberg Peak and Mount Wilbur
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
Stargazing Quality: Excellent under dark, clear skies
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential; early sunrise casting light across the cirque
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unreliable; satellite device recommended
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Iceberg Lake Trailhead behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
Connecting Trails: Iceberg Lake Trail links with network of Many Glacier trails
Nearby Services: Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; trailhead vault toilets
Common Wildlife: Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, ground squirrels
Best Wildlife Times: Early morning and late afternoon
Wildflower Peak: Mid-July to late August
Fall Colors Peak: Late September to early October
Geological Formation Type: Cirque
Scientific Interest: Glacial geomorphology; Belt Supergroup geology; persistence of glacial features into present-day alpine conditions
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
Best Visit Times: Very early morning or late afternoon in the mid-June to October window
Best Season: Mid-June through October
Weather Patterns: Afternoon thunderstorms common in warmer months; quick changes are typical
Peak Fill Times: Parking fills by very early morning in peak season; plan for overflow
Busiest Season: July–August
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: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
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