Added by Seth Langbauer
Impressive views of glacial water careening down the gorge and numerous look-out points to capture the cascading waterfalls. A very scenic trail with 500-year-old cedars to see.
This is a 4.5 mile hike with a total elevation gain of 730 feet. The hike to Avalanche Lake begins from the Trail of the Cedars trailhead. Be prepared for a lot of incline.
Approximately one half mile from the trailhead you’ll reach a footbridge that provides views of the lower Avalanche Gorge. It is just past this point that you’ll find the Avalanche Lake Trail junction.
At 2.3 miles, you will reach the foot of Avalanche Lake. Take in the views or stop for lunch at the large beach area. You can also continue along the trail on the western shoreline to the head of the lake.
This is a popular trail and parking can be tight. Best to get an early start.
Pack List
- Sack lunch
- Picnic blanket/Beach towel
- Water
- Hiking boots
- Day pack
Please respect the places you find on The Outbound.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More
Activities:
Photography, Hiking
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Season:
Summer, Autumn
Trail Type:
Out-and-Back
Distance:
4.5 Miles
Elev. Gain:
730 Feet
Rating:
Features:
Are we missing something?
Suggest an edit
Reviews
Leave a Review
about 1 month ago
Great Reward
Avalanche Lake is beautiful with cliffs rising up around it and waterfalls in the distance.
10 months ago
Beautiful Views
Avalanche Lake is a great lake to hike during the summer months. It is not accessible during the winter months other than by snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
about 1 year ago
Epic in summer or (early) winter
Have hiked this route a few times. The 6 mile round trip hike is moderately strenuous (made more difficult by not catching your breath from the great conversation on the way up) and includes gorgeous views of Avalanche Creek along the way. Gorgeous lodgepole pines host several northwest songbird species, and you're sure to see a few mule deer or small mammals along the way. Take binoculars to try spotting a griz along the mountain or a moose on the other side of the lake. The end result is breathtaking at every season. Not accessible in heavy winter conditions, but manageable with a light dusting on the ground. Highly recommend.
over 1 year ago
Best Hike to-date
This is the best day hike I have done to this day. The views are incredible. The lake is beautiful. There are animal, and, well I guess i'm just at a loss for words.
I did this hike with my grandparents who were both in their late 70's at the time. A beautiful, cloudy day in October hike.
Added by Seth Langbauer
FollowMore Adventures Nearby
Explore
Work with us
The Outbound Collective © 2017 • Made with love in offices, shops, and Airstreams, all over the place.