Avalanche Lake Trail - Glacier National Park

Avalanche Creek Trail is a half-day hike from Avalanche Creek trailhead to Avalanche Lake. This is one of the more popular hikes in the park, primarily due to the spectacular destination. The elevation gain along this trail is 505 feet and the maximum elevation is 3,905 feet. The first portion is along the popular Trail of the Cedars, a handicapped accessible boardwalk. The trail then leaves the boardwalk crossing Avalanche Creek. At the junction with Avalanche Creek trail turn left for Avalanche Lake. The trail follows the Avalanche Creek gorge, winding upwards through the forest until it reaches the foot of Avalanche Lake. The lake is rimmed with steep cliffs on three sides with numerous waterfalls cascading downward from the hanging cirque valley formed by Sperry Glacier, which can not be seen from the lake.

Length: 2.9 miles

Trail Beginning: Tail of the Cedars

Trail End: Head of Avalanche Lake

USGS Map1: Park Map

Website Address

Mailing Address
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Street Address

Phone: 406-888-7800
Fax: 406-888-7808

The Avalanche Creek Trail is located in the Lake McDonald area, and begins at the Trail of the Cedars, across the Going-to-the-Sun Highway from Avalanche Campground.

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trail

sightseeing, environmental, walking, wildlife viewing, hiking, nature area, picnicking, bird watching