Trail of the Cedars

West Glacier, Montana

5.0/5

based on 6 reviews

Save

View all 15 photos

All 15 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

0.81 miles

Elevation Gain

160.1 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Outbound

A glacial blue creek carving through a 500-year-old cedar forest.

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 beginning of the trail to Avalanche Lake; stepping off-trail here allows you to shoot down directly into the canyon.

If you want to spend more time in the area, nearby Avalanche Creek Campground offers 87 sites on a first-come-first-serve basis; but get there early as it fills up quickly.

Download Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Photography

Camping

Chillin

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Picnic Area

Scenic

ADA Accessible

Waterfalls

Trail of the Cedars Reviews

Wiona Porath

Wanderer

Trail of the Cedars

03/20/26

Really like this for an easy and accessible hike. Beautiful scenery and everyone can access!

5.0

Natalie F

Explorer

Trail of the Cedars

07/26/20

My grandma was on this trip with us and she easily made it along this trail. Beautiful colors! Great stop.

5.0

Will Yeomans

Explorer

Trail of the Cedars

01/25/17

This creek has beautiful hide of blue and cool features. It is also pretty easy to explore along the did and get some good photos.

5.0

Explorer

Gavin Pirrie

Explorer

Trail of the Cedars

09/02/16

Avalanche Creek creates a unique canyon on the Avalanche Lake trail that is worth exploring. The hike is extremely easy to get to the creek and all ages can enjoy the beauty of the creek.

5.0

Explorer

Derek Tice

Explorer

Trail of the Cedars

08/22/16

With the large cedars over head and the bright blue water of Avalanche Creek rushing over falls, this is an easy hike that shouldn't be missed.

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

Avalanche Lake via Trail of 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’...

Apgar Beach at Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald doesn't offer the close-up views of glaciers and mountains like some of the other spots in Glacier NP, but it does offer sweeping views of park's west side. The most popular spot to photograph this grand perspective is along the southwest beach and dock. The dock makes the most interesting subject, but after parking walk along the shore and look for interesting rocks or boats ...

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

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...

Grinnell Glacier Overlook via Highline Trail

There are two ways to get to this trail. Preferred route: Start the Highline Trail at Logan Pass. Hike 7.5 miles on a pleasantly gradual trail to get to the overlook trail. Alternate route: You can instead start at The Loop (shuttle stop), hike up to the Granite Park Chalet, and then hike an additional 0.8 miles to the beginning of the overlook trail for a total of 6.8 miles. This route is much...

Photograph Logan Pass

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 ...

Trail of the Cedars

Details

Description

Download Outbound mobile app

Features

Trail of the Cedars Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Trail of the Cedars

Avalanche Lake via Trail of 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

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps