Natural Attraction

Iceberg Lake

Natural Attraction★ 4.8
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

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

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

Yes—the Iceberg Lake Trailhead parking fills very early in peak season; plan for overflow and consider alternative parking at the Many Glacier area.

Is the hike worth the 9.6-10 miles round-trip?

Yes—the glacial cirque, Iceberg Peak, and Mount Wilbur views, plus the cold, pristine lake, reward the effort.

Can I bring my dog to the Iceberg Lake trail?

Dog policies for Glacier NP trails are strict; check current park rules before bringing a pet.

Is it feasible for a first-time hiker or older visitor?

The trail is moderate with a steep initial climb; plan for a long day, take breaks, and consider weather; allow extra time.

Is a backcountry permit required for camping near Iceberg Lake?

No special permit for day hiking; camping requires appropriate backcountry permits; check with the park for current rules.

Vulture Peak

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

Elk Mountain

360° summit views over Belt rocks; a rugged, glacier-carved ascent.

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.

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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.