Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars
West Glacier, Montana
Details
Distance
5.95 miles
Elevation Gain
997.38 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Outbound
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 very scenic Glacier National Park hike off of Going-to-the-Sun road is 4.5 miles 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.
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Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars Reviews
A great trail, moderately crowded. Muchbof the trail is the same, through old growth trees. Once you get to the lake, its incredible. Make sure to walk along the lake to see different views of the water color and get closer to the waterfalls.
5.0
This is an incredible hike! There isnt much elevation gain and its shorter making it accessible to many more people. The lake and the views are pretty dang incredible. It is usually pretty busy as it is easy access and shorter, but well worth it!
5.0
Great moderate hike and wonderful views at the end! Beware of mosquitoes! Parking is limited in the area so make sure to get there early (by 8am)
5.0
The view at the end of the hike (well, first part as this is an our and back) is one of pure awe. Seeing Avalanche Lake surrounded by the mountains capped with snow is an absolutely gorgeous sight to behold. The hike itself is fun, traversing ups and downs, rocks and tree stumps and massive root systems. The views along the way look out over the various other mountains within the park. Definitely don't pass this one up!
5.0
My sister and I took this hike this Winter (mainly because the others were closed because of a fire and for the season), but it was awesome. We saw some wildlife (Deer and mountain goats). The view at the top was a gorgeous view of the lake with a mountainous backdrop!
5.0
Avalanche Lake is beautiful with cliffs rising up around it and waterfalls in the distance.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Trail of the Cedars
Trail of the Cedars
Apgar Beach at Lake McDonald
Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
Grinnell Glacier Overlook via Highline Trail
Photograph Logan Pass
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