Avalanche Lake

★5.0

https://www.flickr.com/people/43288043@N04 Glacier National Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Popular alpine lake destination in Glacier National Park, surrounded by steep mountains and cascading waterfalls, reached through old-growth cedar and hemlock forests.

General Information

Length:
4.6 miles round trip (2.3 miles one way)
Elevation Gain:
741 feet
Difficulty:
Moderate
Hours:
Accessible year-round during park operating hours and trail conditions permitting
Fees:
Glacier National Park entrance fee required
Pet Policy:
Pets are not allowed on park trails
Closest cities with hotels:
West Glacier, MT (16 mi)
Seasons:
Late spring through early fall; summer offers the most reliable trail access
Location:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Avalanche+Picnic+Area+Glacier+National+Park+MT">Avalanche Picnic Area, Glacier National Park, MT
Website:
https://www.nps.gov/places/avalanche-lake-trail.htm

From West Entrance (16.2 miles): Head northwest on Glacier Rte 1 Rd/Going-to-the-Sun Rd toward Grinnell Dr. Turn right to stay on Glacier Rte 1 Rd/Going-to-the-Sun Rd to Trail of the Cedars Nature Trailhead.

Overview

Avalanche Lake is a glacial lake southwest of Bearhat Mountain that receives meltwater from Sperry Glacier, and a top family hike from the Trail of the Cedars, with several waterfalls streaming down the cliffs above the lake.

TrailLengthElevation GainHighlights
Avalanche Lake TrailAbout 4.5 miles round trip (2 miles one way)About 500 feetTrail of the Cedars, Avalanche Gorge, and the lake

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Avalanche Lake", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0

Crater Lake Wizard Island South View
Avalanche Gorge is visible on the Trail of the Cedars
GlacierNPS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted