Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars: Glacier’s Best Easy Hike with Big Rewards
Looking for a hike in Glacier National Park that’s easy enough for beginners but scenic enough to blow your mind? Say hello to the Avalanche Lake Trail, accessed via the Trail of the Cedars. This family-friendly route starts as a flat, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and ends at a stunning alpine lake surrounded by waterfalls and towering peaks.
It’s a perfect introduction to Glacier—and one of the park’s most popular trails for good reason.
Trail Overview
- Trailhead: Trail of the Cedars, on Going-to-the-Sun Road (near Avalanche Creek Campground)
- Distance: ~4.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~730 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Best Season: Late June through September
Why Hike Avalanche Lake?
This trail is one of Glacier’s best-kept not-so-secret gems. You’ll start your journey surrounded by giant western red cedars, some over 500 years old, on a smooth boardwalk path that feels almost enchanted. A short climb brings you alongside Avalanche Creek, where turquoise water tumbles through a carved, mossy gorge.
Then, after a steady but manageable incline through pine forest, you’re rewarded with Avalanche Lake—a peaceful glacial lake cradled by steep cliffs and fed by several cascading waterfalls. It’s the kind of spot that makes you say “Wow” and mean it.
What to Bring: Hiking Essentials
Even though this hike is relatively short, it’s still Glacier—so come prepared. Here’s what we recommend:
🥾 Footwear
- Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots (Women)
- Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Hiking Shoes (Men)
The trail can be muddy and slippery—waterproof shoes help.
🎒 Daypack Must-Haves
- Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
- Hydration Bladder or Water Bottles – bring at least 1L per person
- Bear Spray – this is still bear country
- Trail Snacks – for a lakeside picnic!
🧥 Layers & Sun Protection
Planning Your Hike
🚗 Getting There
The trailhead is located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, just past the Avalanche Campground and Picnic Area. Parking is extremely limited, especially by 9 AM in peak season.
Pro Tip: Take the Glacier Shuttle from Apgar Village to avoid parking headaches.
📆 Best Time to Go
- Late June through September is ideal.
Snow and trail debris often linger into early summer, but the path is typically clear by mid-June. Fall offers cooler temps and fewer crowds. - Mornings are best to beat both the heat and the foot traffic.
🐻 Wildlife Awareness
Yes, even on a popular trail like this, bear spray is still a must. Black bears and grizzlies are regularly spotted in the area. Make noise, hike in groups, and never feed wildlife.
Kid-Friendly? Absolutely.
This is one of the most family-friendly hikes in Glacier National Park. The flat boardwalk at the start is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and the moderate incline is manageable for kids with a bit of stamina. The waterfalls at the lake make a great “prize” for younger hikers.
Whether you’re a first-timer to Glacier or just want a low-effort, high-reward trail, Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars checks all the boxes. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and accessible—making it one of the most-loved hikes in the park.
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