Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars

West Glacier, Montana

4.9/5

based on 8 reviews

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Distance

5.91 miles

Elevation Gain

730 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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 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

Stephen Dagley

Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars

05/23/17

Avalanche Lake is beautiful with cliffs rising up around it and waterfalls in the distance.

5.0

Explorer

Gavin Pirrie

Explorer

Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars

09/03/16

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.

5.0

Explorer

Imogene Cancellare

Explorer

Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars

04/01/16

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.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars

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Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars Reviews

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Trail of the Cedars

Explore Avalanche Creek

Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

Photography on Logan Pass

Grinnell Glacier Overlook via Highline Trail

Highline Trail

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