Exploring Avalanche Lake: A Detailed Journey in Glacier National Park
Craving a spectacular hike? Look no further than the sensational Avalanche Lake Trail, our absolute favorite trail on the West Side of Glacier National Park. This trail offers some of the most breathtaking views we've ever encountered and features a stunning, blue-green lake that will leave you speechless (not to mention all those enchanting waterfalls!).
If you're searching for a moderate hike on the park's west side, this trail should be high on your list. While planning may be necessary to reach the trailhead, we can assure you that it's worth the effort. Let this guide help you prepare for hiking the Avalanche Lake Trail and convince you to make the journey to this incredible place.
Avalanche Lake Trail At-a-Glance
- All Trails Distance: 5.9 miles
- Strava Measured Distance: 5.5 miles
- OnX Measured Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 757 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Restroom at Trailhead: Yes
- Phone Service: No
Getting There
The Avalanche Lake Trail is located on the West Side of Glacier National Park and accessible via Going-to-the-Sun Road, the main roadway meandering through the park. To get there, it's approximately a 35-minute (16-mile) drive from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park to the trailhead.
Two factors make reaching the Avalanche Lake Trail a challenge: Going-to-the-Sun Road reservations and limited parking.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road Reservations: To access the trail, you'll need a reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road. (Reserve your spot here). Trailhead entry is beyond the Apgar Checkpoint, so a reservation is required to reach the trailhead.
Reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road can sell out months in advance, but lucky for us, more are released nightly at 7 PM. If you're already in the park, head to the Apgar Visitor Center, a spot with free Wi-Fi that has saved us on numerous occasions (more info on connectivity in the park below).
- Parking: The parking lot for the Avalanche Lake Trail is surprisingly compact for the trail's popularity. To find a spot, arrive early in the morning (before 7 AM) or in the early afternoon and take advantage of someone leaving. Give yourself extra time to locate parking and keep your cool - everyone is there to see this amazing destination!
Alternative Approaches for Reaching the Trailhead
Prefer to skip the parking struggles and road reservations? Consider the following options:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle: From 8 AM to 7 PM (7 days a week, from July 1 to Labor Day), a shuttle runs every 15 to 30 minutes from the Apgar Visitor Center to Avalanche Creek for free. Park at the Apgar Visitor Center and hop on the shuttle without needing any reservations or tickets.
- Avalanche Creek Campground Reservations: strap on those hiking boots if you're a camper seeking a camping experience! By securing a spot at Avalanche Creek Campground, you can depart for the trail directly from your campsite. Plus, you won’t need Going-to-the-Sun Road reservations for the entirety of your camping trip!
Like Going-to-the-Sun Road reservations, these camping spots can sell out months in advance. But there's a silver lining – numerous last-minute cancellations can save the day if you snag a spot (we love using CampFlare for this!).
- Visit in the Off-Season: Going-to-the-Sun Road reservations run roughly from May 24th through September 8th. If you visit outside of these dates, reservations and parking hassles disappear, and the park becomes inherently less crowded!
We hiked the Avalanche Lake Trail twice – once on May 30. Although this may seem late in the season for the continental U.S., it's still very early season in Glacier National Park. At that point, Avalanche Creek Campground was not open yet, but it was available for temporary day-use parking, providing hundreds of parking spots without issues! Plus, there were numerous reservations available for Going-to-the-Sun Road. However, keep in mind that if you visit in May, most high-alpine hikes won't be accessible (e.g., Going-to-the-Sun Road won’t be open in its entirety). Aim for a visit in September to enjoy cooler temperatures, fewer people, and access to all high-alpine hikes.
The Hike
Here's a breakdown of what to expect during your Avalanche Lake adventure:
Trail of the Cedars
Start your journey on the beautiful 0.9-mile Trail of the Cedars loop, which shares a parking area with Avalanche Lake. This trail is an excellent choice for an easy loop for non-hikers in your group. The first half-mile of the trail will be on this loop.
The official starting point for the Avalanche Lake Trail is at the opposite end of the loop from the parking area. The trail is accessible by both the right (0.45 miles) and left (0.44 miles) portions of the loop, so take the side that suits your preference.
Parking area and trailhead locations can be found on the map above, with the parking area marked with a "P" and the Avalanche Lake Trailhead circled.
You can't miss the trailhead – it's marked by a large sign, right near the boardwalk over Avalanche Creek. This local hotspot is one of the most photographed places in the park, and you absolutely must stop here to check out the creek – it's stunning!
Avalanche Lake Trail
Once you've officially embarked on the trail, follow a gradual incline that initially traces the enchanting Avalanche Creek. This area was one of our favorite parts of the hike, as the creek flows in mesmerizing shades of blue and turquoise.
Around 0.8 miles into the hike, the trail will wander away from the creek and guide you through a magical cedar forest. Moss blankets nearly every surface, creating a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Absorb every moment of this breathtaking scenery.
Avalanche Lake
After a 2.3-mile trek, you'll reach the northern end of Avalanche Lake. The view that awaits you is nothing short of amazing – Avalanche Lake and its waterfalls (especially Monument Falls) are truly a sight to behold! The lake is primarily fed by melting snow and ice from Sperry Glacier and boasts a maximum measured depth of approximately 63 feet. It's known for a thriving trout population.
During our May visit, the waterfalls were flowing mightily due to peak snowmelt. During our August trip, the falls were more subdued but equally magnificent. Trek around the right (southeastern) shore of the lake for a less crowded experience and to take in even more lovely views of the lake and falls (a full 0.7-mile trip to the far shore isn't necessary).
Pro Tip 1: Carry and wear bear spray, as a grizzly was frequently spotted in the area during our visit. Make sure you're prepared with the appropriate knowledge and tools for bear encounters.
Pro Tip 2: Do your research, as hiking the Avalanche Lake Trail can be challenging to access with reservations and other logistical hurdles. Be well-prepared, and consider downloading AllTrails, Strava, or OnX apps to stay informed.
Pro Tip 3: Plan a contingency activity in case the Avalanche Lake Trail becomes unavailable. Another nearby trail to explore is the Apgar Lookout.
Pro Tip 4: Wear layers, as weather in Glacier National Park can change rapidly. Be prepared for all conditions by bringing a rain jacket, wearing bug spray, and carrying layers.
Pro Tip 5: Plan for a demanding hike by carrying adequate food, water, and hiking essentials. Don't forget anything that could potentially be necessary during your journey!
- If you're in search of a magnificent outdoor adventure, look no further than the Avalanche Lake Trail in Glacier National Park, a moderately difficult trail that boasts breathtaking views and a serene blue-green lake.
- For those who prefer a home-and-garden twist, the Avalanche Lake Trail experience can be elevated into a lifestyle choice by integrating camping at Avalanche Creek Campground or opting for a parking space at a travel-friendly campground nearby.
- As the weather plays a crucial role in every outdoor excursion, it's important to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly to accommodate any changes in Glacier National Park's unpredictable climate.
- For hiking enthusiasts seeking a new challenge or traveling nomads eager to explore, the Avalanche Lake Trail beckons with its stunning vistas, enchanting waterfalls, and undeniable allure – making it the perfect destination for both novice and experienced trailblazers alike.
