Avalanche Lake Trailhead: Glacier National Park Hike Guide

Avalanche Lake Trailhead in Glacier National Park frames a turquoise lake edged by evergreens and rugged peaks.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead offers a moderate day hike through forested terrain to a tranquil alpine lake. Parking is limited; plan ahead and consider the Apgar shuttle during peak season.

Moderate 5-mile round-trip trail leading through the forest to a picturesque mountain lake.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 4.6
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate Workout
Elevation Gain Feet: 741

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 4.6
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate Workout
Elevation Gain Feet: 741
Estimated Time: 4-6 hours
Trail Surface: Packed dirt with rocky sections and boardwalks on the initial Trail of the Cedars portion
Trail Features: old-growth canopy providing shade
Avalanche Creek along the route
Cedars portion with boardwalks
rocky sections in places later on the trail
Trail Highlights: Alpine lake framed by cascading waterfalls, with Bearhat Mountain and Little Matterhorn looming over turquoise water.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Avalanche Picnic Area, accessed via the Trail of the Cedars
Parking Lot Size: Small and extremely limited
Parking Fill Time: Fills very early, often by 7-8 AM during peak season
Shuttle Details: Free park shuttle available during the busy season; catch from Apgar Visitor Center

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: No permit or vehicle reservation is required in 2026 — Glacier retired the Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation system. The Avalanche area has its own parking lot, which fills by mid-morning in summer; Logan Pass (further up the road) has a 3-hour parking limit July 1 – Sept 7, 2026.
Fees: Varies
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Typically closed in heavy snow; check current conditions

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Avalanche Creek along the trail; carry and filter if refilling
Accessibility: Shade-dense trail with some rocky sections; not fully wheelchair accessible

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Bear country
afternoon thunderstorms
lightning exposure
Hazard Details: Bear encounters are possible; storms can roll in; stay alert and carry bear spray; footing can be slippery in wet conditions
Cell Service: Dead zone; unreliable to non-existent
Crowd Level: Very crowded during peak season
Peak Crowd Times: Late morning to early afternoon; arrive before 7 AM or after 5 PM to avoid congestion
Parking Strategy: Parking is limited at the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Picnic Area and often fills by mid‑morning. To improve odds, arrive before 7:00 AM or in the late afternoon. When spaces are full, consider roadside parking nearby and, during peak season, use the Apgar Visitor Center shuttle as an alternative.
Effort Verdict: Moderate difficulty: 4.6 miles round trip with 741 ft of elevation gain. Plan 3–6 hours depending on pace and time spent at the lake; most of the trail is shaded, with a few sunnier stretches near the water.
Ideal Hiker Profile: A day hiker comfortable with a steady ascent and a 4.6–5 mile round trip, 741 ft of gain, typically 3–6 hours. Suited for those who enjoy shaded forest paths, lake scenery, and basic bear safety, hydration, and navigation gear.
Best Season: Summer (July–August); May–September is the hiking window
Best Time To Visit: Start before 7 AM to beat crowds; in peak season use the free shuttle from Apgar Visitor Center.
Tips Advice: Hydration: carry 2L minimum.
Bear spray is mandatory; keep it accessible.
Start cold; the climb warms quickly.
Bring offline maps; cell service is a dead zone.

More details

Trail Markers: Well-marked path with junctions; download offline maps or carry a map
Shade Level: High canopy cover provides ample shade
Emergency Contacts: Glacier National Park dispatch; dial 911 for emergencies
Map Recommended: 1
Best For: Families with children
Moderate hikers
Wildlife watchers
Snow Dates: Snow typically clears by May, with occasional lingering patches in higher elevations that can persist into early June; conditions vary year by year.
Mud Season: Wet and slick conditions possible in spring and after rain
Fall Colors Peak: September
Bug Season: Mosquito activity may be high in early summer; bring bug spray
Insider Tips: Hike around the lake to the far end for cleaner water and better views.
Start very early (before 7 AM) or late afternoon to avoid crowds and secure parking.
Bear spray is mandatory; stay loud and alert around wildlife.
Family Friendly Notes: Generally family-friendly, but steeper sections may require a carrier for very young children
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms at trailhead and Avalanche Campground area; pit toilet near the lake
Photo Ops: Photo opportunities include Avalanche Lake’s glassy surface with forested shores and the surrounding peaks, plus the Trail of the Cedars boardwalk. For best lake shots, shoot in early morning light; bring a wide-angle lens for panoramas and a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water.
Review Summary: Rating 4.9 from 795 reviews. The climb is a solid workout with a high-reward alpine lake at the end; the trail is well-maintained but crowded, especially in peak season. The lake and surrounding cliffs deliver a powerful payoff.

Location

Photos

Avalanche Lake Trailhead at Glacier National Park, turquoise lake reflecting forested cliffs and rugged mountains.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead winds through mossy rocks and cedar to the turquoise water of Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead in Glacier National Park winds beside mossy rocks and a rushing creek.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead in Glacier National Park follows a rushing turquoise river through evergreen forest.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. Bears are in the area. Carry bear spray and stay alert; make noise to reduce surprise encounters.

Is a vehicle reservation required for Going-to-the-Sun Road?

No — vehicle reservations were eliminated for 2026, so you can drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to the Avalanche trailhead at any time. Arrive before 9 a.m. in summer; the Avalanche lot fills quickly.

Is the shuttle necessary?

The free park shuttle runs in the busy season and is recommended; catch it from the Apgar Visitor Center.

Is cell service available on the trail?

No reliable cell service; download offline maps before you go.

Is there a restroom at the trailhead?

Yes, restrooms are at the Avalanche Picnic Area/trailhead and near Avalanche Campground; a pit toilet is near the lake.