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Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars

West Glacier, Montana

4.9/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

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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Features

Photography
Hiking
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Waterfall

Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars Reviews

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.

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

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