How to Hike the Avalanche Lake Trail in Glacier

To hike to Avalanche Lake, start on the Trail of the Cedars boardwalk at Avalanche Creek on Going-to-the-Sun Road. From there, follow the Avalanche Lake trail 2.3 mi (3.7 km) one way through old growth forest to the lake. The park shuttle does not serve Avalanche Lake in 2026, so drive in and arrive early. Avalanche Creek is one of the most popular and crowded spots in Glacier National Park.

Avalanche Lake Trail at a Glance

The Avalanche Lake trail is an out-and-back hike of 4.6 mi (7.4 km) round trip from the Avalanche Picnic Area on Going-to-the-Sun Road. It shares its starting point with the Trail of the Cedars and the Avalanche Campground, then leaves the boardwalk and climbs steadily through old growth forest to the lake.

The hike takes four steps:

1. Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to Avalanche Creek and head for the trailhead at the Avalanche Picnic Area.
2. Walk onto the Trail of the Cedars, a boardwalk along Avalanche Creek.
3. Find the Avalanche Lake Trailhead off the Trail of the Cedars.
4. Climb through the forest to the lake, then return the same way.

Elevation gain for the trail varies from 500 to 741 ft (152 to 226 m). Plan your day around the round-trip distance and your own pace on a steady grade.

Starting on the Trail of the Cedars

The Trail of the Cedars is a boardwalk nature trail along Avalanche Creek, and the Avalanche Lake Trailhead is located off it. The full loop is 0.9 mi (1.1 km) with 83 ft (25 m) of gain and loss.

The boardwalk winds through old growth cedars, and the cedar and hemlock forest around Avalanche Creek is unlike anywhere else in Glacier. Listen for American dippers along the water. Near Avalanche Gorge, you can watch the creek carving its way through the rock.

Waterfalls and Old Growth at Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake in Glacier is an alpine lake with outstanding waterfalls, at the top of a steady climb through old growth forest. Give yourself time at the shore before you turn around. The walk back covers the same 2.3 mi.

Pack lunch and water before you leave the car. The Avalanche Creek area has a picnic area at the trailhead.

Take care at the water's edge. Glacier asks every visitor to keep extra awareness around water and steep dropoffs, and you are responsible for your own safety on its trails.

Parking and Driving to the Avalanche Lake Trail in 2026

In 2026 you reach the Avalanche Lake trail by car, because the park shuttle does not serve Avalanche Lake or the Trail of the Cedars this year. No vehicle reservation is required anywhere in the park in 2026, so you can drive in on any day the road is open. Look at the National Park Service's Glacier site before a 2027 trip.

July and August are the busiest months in Glacier. The Glacier vehicle reservations and Logan Pass guide explains how this year's access rules worked across the park.

If you drive an RV or tow a trailer, know its size before you leave. Vehicles over 21 ft long or 8 ft wide are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun, and vehicles over 10 ft tall may have difficulty west of Logan Pass. The Going-to-the-Sun Road guide covers the rest of the drive.

There is no gasoline inside Glacier, so fill the tank before you enter. An EV charger stands across from the Lake McDonald Lodge camp store. The private vehicle entrance fee is $35 in summer and $25 in winter (November 1 to April 30), valid for 7 days. See the America the Beautiful pass guide.

For a base outside the park, Dark Light Collection is building glass pyramids on private land within 15 minutes of the West Entrance and about 20 minutes from Lake McDonald, opening in 2027. Founding deposits are open on the Glacier pyramids page.

Seasons and Road Openings

Glacier's summer season generally runs from late May through September, when most services in and near the park are open. Going-to-the-Sun Road has no set date for full opening and is typically fully open by early July. It usually stays fully open until the third Monday of October, weather permitting.

After that Monday, the west-side closure gate moves to Avalanche Creek or Lake McDonald Lodge, depending on weather. The road beyond the gate is then open to hikers and bicyclists.

Fall brings thinner crowds and changing leaves by mid-September. The last color arrives in mid-October, when western larch turns yellow. Visitor centers close in late September and early October.

In spring, while crews plow Going-to-the-Sun Road, the road is often open only to hikers and bicyclists, usually from early May through late June or early July. Most services reopen in late May or early June. In winter, the road is usually plowed from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge, and Going-to-the-Sun Road is often open to skiing and snowshoeing as conditions permit.

For a month-by-month plan, read when to visit Glacier.

Bear Safety on the Avalanche Lake Trail

Carry bear spray on the Avalanche Lake trail in every season. Bears are very active in spring, and in fall they spend more time foraging as they prepare for hibernation. Bears may still be active in winter, too.

If you see a bear or other wildlife, do not approach or feed it, whether you are on foot or in a car. Watch from a distance with binoculars, a spotting scope or a long telephoto lens. In fall, you may also spot animals grazing along roadsides.

Before you go, review trail closures and road status on the Glacier National Park website, pack bear spray and water, and start the Avalanche Lake trail early in the day.