Avalanche Lake Trailhead

5.65 miles round-trip, 757 ft gain. Pack water, bear spray, and start before dawn to beat crowds.

Insider tip

Hike around the lake to the far end for cleaner water and better views.

Insider tip

Start very early (before 7 AM) or late afternoon to avoid crowds and secure parking.

When to come

Start before 7 AM to beat crowds; in peak season use the free shuttle from Apgar Visitor Center.

Trail

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.9

YOUR VISIT, YOUR WAY

What would you love to do here?

Forest, rushing water and a mountain-ringed lake make Avalanche a destination hike, not a roadside photo stop. NPS describes about five miles round trip and a 3–6-hour outing. A gentler alternative stays on Trail of the Cedars rather than climbing to the lake.

Walk the forest route to Avalanche Lake

Make the lake the main outing. Budget for the NPS 3–6-hour range, plus parking and breaks; the route becomes steeper and rocky beyond the initial accessible section.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead · Moderate effort

With children

Use the full hike only if the whole group can manage the climb and return. Bring food and layers, and choose a turnaround time before children are exhausted.

Stay on the gentler Trail of the Cedars

Enjoy the initial accessible forest section instead of continuing up the steeper lake trail. This is a shorter forest experience; it does not reach Avalanche Lake.

Trail of the Cedars at the Avalanche area · Low effort

With children

This avoids committing children to the full lake hike. Check current surface conditions and access if bringing a stroller or mobility device.

Saved choices are ideas, not reservations. Check current access, conditions and opening times before travel.

Planning sources · checked September 7, 2026

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

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT WALK

Is this the right hike for your day?

Why choose this hike?

Trail Highlights
Alpine lake framed by cascading waterfalls, with Bearhat Mountain and Little Matterhorn looming over turquoise water.
Best For
  • Families with children
  • Moderate hikers
  • Wildlife watchers

What the outing demands

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.
Estimated Time
4-6 hours

Where and when it fits the day

Trailhead Location
Avalanche Picnic Area, accessed via the Trail of the Cedars
Best Time To Visit
Start before 7 AM to beat crowds; in peak season use the free shuttle from Apgar Visitor Center.

Explore your choices Choose your visit options.

Trail profile

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

Trailhead & access

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
Yes
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
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.
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
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
Yes
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

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.

Apikuni Falls Trail

Steep waterfall crusher: 0.8 miles, 651ft elevation gain. Short burst, big payoff.

Swiftcurrent Lake Trail

Flat 2.6-mile loop. Lake views, historic buildings, accessibility options. Start early to dodge crowds.

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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.