Avalanche Lake Trailhead

2.3 miles one way, 741 ft gain. Carry water and bear spray; allow enough daylight for the return hike.

Insider tip

The lake shore offers different compositions without needing to approach the waterfall base.

Insider tip

Plan a daylight return.

When to come

Hike in daylight and allow time for the return; parking and trail conditions can change.

Trail

Trail★ 4.9 on Google

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.

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
3-6 hours

Where and when it fits the day

Trailhead Location
Avalanche Picnic Area, accessed via the Trail of the Cedars
Best Time To Visit
Hike in daylight and allow time for the return; parking and trail conditions can change.

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 during peak season

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
No
Permit Details
No day-hiking permit is required for this hike. Park admission is separate. Glacier requires no vehicle reservation in 2026, but road closures and traffic restrictions can still affect access.
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 early or late in the day to avoid congestion
Parking Strategy
Use signed parking at Avalanche Picnic Area or Trail of the Cedars. If spaces are full, return later or choose another outing rather than assuming roadside parking is permitted. Leave enough daylight for the full hike.
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
  • Carry enough drinking water for your party and conditions.
  • NPS recommends carrying bear spray; keep it accessible and know how to use it.
  • Bring layers and offline maps; do not rely on cell service.

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
  • The lake shore offers different compositions without needing to approach the waterfall base.
  • Plan a daylight return.
  • Carry bear spray and make noise to reduce surprise encounters.
  • Treat any water collected from lakes or streams before drinking.
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 reservation is required in 2026, but closures or traffic restrictions may still affect Going-to-the-Sun Road. Use signed Avalanche-area parking; the 2026 park shuttle does not serve this trailhead.

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.