Trail of the Cedars

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’...

Avalanche Creek is one of Glacier National Park's easiest features to access and also one of its most unique. The old-growth cedar forest is home to towering trees, moss-covered boulders, and a rushing stream of glacial water. A small loop trail winds through the lower forest and leads to a bridge with views of a canyon carved by the creek. The best spot to photograph the canyon is at the be...

Every Spring (May - June) Going-to-the-Sun road remains closed to cars long after the snow has been plowed and melted. However, just past the Lake McDonald Lodge a sign declares the road open to Hikers and Bikers, providing one of Montana's best adventures.  Follow Going-to-the-Sun Road in from West Glacier and drive as far as you can before hitting the road closure fence. Then, park in the ne...

To climb Stanton Mountain, begin at the Howe Ridge Trail on the Northwest shore of Lake McDonald. The trail climbs swiftly 2.3 miles to Howe Ridge where a "climber's trial" ambles off to your immediate right. Follow this trail directly up the ridge, up, and up, and up. The ridge opens up to some spectacular views of the Trout Lake Drainage to the North, and the McDonald Lake Drainage to the ...

To get to the trailhead you'll have to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier NP, which if you haven't done, is amazing in and of itself and you'll basically start this hike at the base of Logan Pass. So park there. There are rangers that will show you where to go and what to do, super friendly. You don't have to register at the Visitor's Center, but it's recommended, and pay either $2...

Disclaimer: Glacier National Park has closed any off-trail activity in this area. The majority of the photos can be taken on-trail. Please be sure to adhere to the park's policy.With a short window of opportunity for visiting, Logan Pass offers a wealth of photographic options. As the winter snows start to melt, a lush alpine environment of waterfalls and wildflowers is revealed, as well as wi...