Avalanche Lake
Avalanche Lake
4.5
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A popular hiking area within Glacier National Park.
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4.7
857 reviews
Excellent
641
Very good
189
Average
27
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Marcello017
Jacksonville, FL268 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Relatively easy trial with amazing views. It begins at the parking of cedar loop trail. Beautiful view on the gorge in the first mile.
The trail is well marked and normally full of people. Trail arrives at the end of the Lake, view is simply amazing, but you can continue on the right side of the lake till the end and it is possible to take different type of pictures.
Amazing trees on the way, cedars and red cedars are amazing.
The trail is well marked and normally full of people. Trail arrives at the end of the Lake, view is simply amazing, but you can continue on the right side of the lake till the end and it is possible to take different type of pictures.
Amazing trees on the way, cedars and red cedars are amazing.
Written June 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara L
United States272 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Avalanche Trail in Montana Glacier National Park to the lake is a must hike!! We went August 24th. 2024. The weather was perfect!! In the low 40s- 50s. High was 60s. You do need a jacket, we wore our rain jackets which was sufficient. It was extremely windy at the lake. The hike was 5.9 miles total.
The trail was moderate and wide mostly shaded & very well marked. We did see bears on the trail a mama & her cub as we cornered the trail they were right there. Was too close for comfort!! We just slowly backed away & shouted out bear, tapping our hiking sticks as other hikers were coming up behind us. Once they continued on their way we proceeded to the lake. Later on in the hike we seen another bear, this one was eating berries so we slowly kept walking the path. She didn’t seem worried about us lol.
Once we reached the lake we seen deers. Also to mention they have a lot of logs as benches to sit & have some lunch which is what we did. The views are breathtaking to say the least. You don’t have to be in perfect shape to hike this trail, but it will have you huffing and puffing in some spots. Hope this helps fellow hikers. Happy hiking!!! 🥾 🥰
The trail was moderate and wide mostly shaded & very well marked. We did see bears on the trail a mama & her cub as we cornered the trail they were right there. Was too close for comfort!! We just slowly backed away & shouted out bear, tapping our hiking sticks as other hikers were coming up behind us. Once they continued on their way we proceeded to the lake. Later on in the hike we seen another bear, this one was eating berries so we slowly kept walking the path. She didn’t seem worried about us lol.
Once we reached the lake we seen deers. Also to mention they have a lot of logs as benches to sit & have some lunch which is what we did. The views are breathtaking to say the least. You don’t have to be in perfect shape to hike this trail, but it will have you huffing and puffing in some spots. Hope this helps fellow hikers. Happy hiking!!! 🥾 🥰
Written August 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gage113
Knoxville, TN1,291 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
What a beautiful hike!!! We seen people of all ages, toddlers/infants in carriers to extreme elderly ok this hike.
The hike was like a roller coaster, up the flat, then down, back up. It was a moderate to strenuous hike for me.
The water at the lake is that beautiful greenish color. It also had 3 beautiful water falls coming down the mountains into the lake.
But don’t take my word for it try it for yourself.
The hike was like a roller coaster, up the flat, then down, back up. It was a moderate to strenuous hike for me.
The water at the lake is that beautiful greenish color. It also had 3 beautiful water falls coming down the mountains into the lake.
But don’t take my word for it try it for yourself.
Written June 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melaney68
Chesapeake Beach, MD11,514 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
I am amused at some calling this an easy hike. I exercise daily and managed well but would suggest that you prepare for the length of the hike with the right shoes, plenty of water and expectations that the parking lot and trail will be busy. The terrain varied throughout the hike- consider hiking boots and a walking stick if you are hesitant or need to be careful with your balance. Some hills are steep and the ground was uneven in some places. The varied foliage and views were incredible and you will most likely see wildlife. We saw evidence of bears but did not encounter one. Plan to spend time at the lake once you arrive. The opportunities for photos were incredible. Be sure to use the restrooms near the parking lot before you head out. This hike takes considerable time for most so a snack might be a good idea too!
Written January 20, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn S
Greenfield, IN110 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
We really enjoyed this hike. It is very picturesque with most the trail running alongside the creek. Avalanche Lake was a perfect lunch spot, although we had to watch out for the ever-present chipmunks. We saw a male grizzly on the trail, but he was calm and headed up the mountain away from people.
Written July 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A K
Orange County, CA13 contributions
Jul 2022
Avalanche Lake is a perfect hike for families who are willing to do some moderate uphill (sweat it out) for a very rewarding and picturesque payoff at the top. The exertion begins past Trail of the Cedars. My advice with kids is to pace it into thirds (0.5 miles, then break for water and photos). Give yourself about an hour to 90 minutes up, and about an hour down. The lake itself has great views, the water is ice cold but an experience to dip your feet into it for a bit. Take sandals in your backpacks. Rock skipping is fun along the shores (look for the flat rocks). Plenty of shade on this hike. Parking, like everywhere in Glacier, is a challenge, but just be patient and something will open up (no need to go crazy leaving early in the morning in my opinion).
Tip about Going-to-the Sun road passes: register on national park service, have your phone or tablet or laptop open at 7:58 am local time (have all of your family members do the same, logged in to same account), and load up the page where you apply for a day pass. Then right at 8 am, everyone click and hopefully one of you will get a pass (the rest will get a message saying unavailable, try reloading page). It can be frustrating, but you'll likely get something if you have a fast finger. Once you get a pass (its only $2.00), its good for three days, so you can try this process even two days before your planned hike. If that doesn't work, by a boat ride through Glacier Boat Tours for Lake McDonald and the GTSR pass is included. and the boat ride itself is enjoyable (but will cost about 25 bucks a person).
Tip about Going-to-the Sun road passes: register on national park service, have your phone or tablet or laptop open at 7:58 am local time (have all of your family members do the same, logged in to same account), and load up the page where you apply for a day pass. Then right at 8 am, everyone click and hopefully one of you will get a pass (the rest will get a message saying unavailable, try reloading page). It can be frustrating, but you'll likely get something if you have a fast finger. Once you get a pass (its only $2.00), its good for three days, so you can try this process even two days before your planned hike. If that doesn't work, by a boat ride through Glacier Boat Tours for Lake McDonald and the GTSR pass is included. and the boat ride itself is enjoyable (but will cost about 25 bucks a person).
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Postcards From Carrie
Frederick, MD111 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The lake was beautiful. We got to the trailhead at 7:00 am to get parking and got one of the last spots. When you start the hike if you go counterclockwise at the fork (so not on boardwalk) you will pass a bathroom building along the way. Then you can take the fork the other way on way back to car when you leave. The hike itself is through the woods and shaded the whole time, with no real views of any mountains until you get towards the end. But the end is amazing. We picnicked at the first lake/beach area. When we got there the sun was just coming up over the mountain and cast a shadow over most of the “picture opportunities” at the lake. It would’ve been prettier later in the day. I’m hindsight we would’ve taken the shuttle to go later. Highly recommend to keep walking the extra mile or so to the very end of the trail on the other side of the lake. The lake views were just gorgeous from that side, the mountains reflected on the clear water and no shadows from that side.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil B
Auckland, New Zealand1,497 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Fantastic short hike. We parked at the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area and despite it being off-season it was still busy (before 9am) so get there early for parking. The trail starts at Trail of the Cedars (a short flat loop) before splitting off and heading up hill. It’s a moderate walk but doable by anyone of reasonable fitness. We’re in our 50s and in good shape. Along the way we saw families with young children and older folk with sticks, and everyone in between, so it’s definitely accessible for most. The trail started with rapids and waterfalls, then moved up into some forest with amazing green mossy ground, before arriving at Avalanche Lake. On a clear blue sky day, it was just breathtaking. On the return leg, we did the Trail of the Cedars loop, which was an easy but interesting path. All up we were on the move for about 3 hours.
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn K
Secor, IL18 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Well, you can arrive at 6am for a parking spot but won’t have a view of the lake once you arrive due to early morning fog or arrive later and fight the hassle of finding a parking spot. Have no idea why they don’t have better parking for the top rated hikes?! We arrived at 7:30 with nowhere available to park. Ended up parking further down on the road and walked about a mile to trailhead. Once we arrived at the far side of the lake (end of trail) the fog was so thick and we couldn’t see anything. There were trails that went toward the water falls which we took and enjoyed seeing those. Once we returned to the lake, the fog was lifting and the views were incredible!!!! You get the best pictures from the far side of the lake as the sunrise is behind you and the lake/mountains are on display! Maybe using the shuttle service would be best or arrive around noon to find parking. This is about the time all morning hikers are finishing and parking spots are opening up.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Places Where We Go Podcast
Simi Valley, CA970 contributions
Jun 2021
We arrived just after 9am, and found parking a challenge, though we did find a spot. So early arrival is helpful for more certainty of a parking spot.
I saw this as three distinct experiences - a hike along a river that changed at every turn, arrival at the lake itself, which provided a wonderful setting for lunch, and then a continuation of the area beyond the lake which transitions into a very different scene. A very popular hike – one of the most crowded we encountered during our hikes in Glacier National Park (though the crowds thin if you make it past the initial beach area for the lake). Our day here was just under 6 hours - capped off with a stroll through the Trail of the Cedars, and then taking advantage of the multiple turnoffs on the ride back past Lake McDonald.
I saw this as three distinct experiences - a hike along a river that changed at every turn, arrival at the lake itself, which provided a wonderful setting for lunch, and then a continuation of the area beyond the lake which transitions into a very different scene. A very popular hike – one of the most crowded we encountered during our hikes in Glacier National Park (though the crowds thin if you make it past the initial beach area for the lake). Our day here was just under 6 hours - capped off with a stroll through the Trail of the Cedars, and then taking advantage of the multiple turnoffs on the ride back past Lake McDonald.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How demanding and strenuous is the hike?
Written April 30, 2021
Is the trail leading to Avalanche lake accessible during winter? Planning a winter trip and want to do some hiking/snowshoeing here.
Written November 18, 2020
Well, I have never been there in the winter so I'm not sure. Sometimes, you can't even get to that point as GTTSR might be closed due to snowfall. You might want to contact them directly or check their "trail status" on the web site. Sorry, I know that's not a very helpful answer.
Written January 2, 2021
Would I be able to travel here Labor Day weekend? Or is there too much snow? Thank you!
Written July 3, 2019
You’ll be just fine. Less people but still get up early to get out on the trail. It’s better with less people.
Written July 23, 2019
Natural lake fed by glacial runoff which contains glacial flour (very fine silt) which causes the magnificent color of the water.
Written July 22, 2018
how long need to hike from trail head to reach the point that can see the rocks with shape curve formed from the erosion by the river? Thanks
Written July 4, 2018
ELKW,
I believe the point that your are asking about is approximately 1/2 mile from the trailhead.
Written July 4, 2018
Sorry for the delayed response. Depending on the amount of time you spend at Avalance Lake the actual hiking time is 3-5 hours
Written September 4, 2017
We are returning to Glacier in August. Staying near the west entrance. Have done Iceberg Lake, Hidden Lake, Apgar Lookout. What other hikes would you recommend this time around?
Written August 5, 2017
I second Avalanche Lake. A tad crowded, but get there in the morning and it won't be too bad. I'd find time to get over to Many Glacier on the west side and hike Grinnel Glacier after hiking around the lakes. Stunning!
Written August 6, 2017
HI, can you see glacier on Avalanche trail in August? It seems we booked the hotel at west side of the park by mistake, so hiking Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Trail might not be an option for a day hike due to driving time (3 hours one way). Besides Avalanche trail, do you recommend any other trails at west side? Thank you!
Written July 6, 2017
Personally, I recommend making the drive to Many Glacier. Both the Grinnell and Iceberg hikes are amazing. Avalanche Lake is nice but nothing like other hikes in the park.
Written July 7, 2017
We are staying at Lake McDonald at the beginning of June (early season) but we planned this last minute and have to take what we can get. What hikes are recommended during this timeframe as it is still unknown if the To the Sky Highway will be fully open at that point? We'd love to see wildlife, mountains, wildflowers, waterfalls and clear lakes if we have the chance.
We have 3 full days to spend in the park. I think we would max out at around 10 miles or so for one hike and shorter lengths of 4-5 miles for a couple others. It would depend on the difficulty level.
Recommendations are much appreciated!
Written May 16, 2017
Hi Amy,
There are plenty of hikes to take and I can't remember the names of all of them. I prefer hikes alongside streams and to lakes. When you get to Lake McDonald the locals will tell you which ones provide you with one or both. For me, these are the most relaxing and beautiful. The primary consideration, however, will be parking. Go early enough that you'll be able to park near the entrance to the hike. If you don't you might not find any parking. It's not as bad in June but once July comes the early birds do get the parking.
Written May 24, 2017
we will be going to glacier in early July . Im a photographer and want to shoot the best shots i can. What are the best views (what hike should we do) with under 4 miles R/T We will see Lake McDonald and the other views at the stops along the road to the sun, but Im interested in doing only one hike. Also any advice would be awesome!
Thank you! Brenda
Written January 28, 2017
You know to go earlier in the morning for the sun/lighting, and to see the most wildlife. From my experience, I think the Redrock falls hike offers the most variety of scenery. Here's a list from the Trails table I made before my trip to Many Glacier in September, 2016.
The first words are the Park Location, then the trail Name; then the Round Trip (RT) Miles, then Elevation Gain (EG) in feet of the trail, then the degree of Difficulty (scale of 1 to 20); then the Features the trail is Known for.
#1) Two Medicine; Running Eagle Falls; RT 0.6; EG 15; Diff. 0.63; “Trick” Waterfalls, Handicap accessible trail.
#2) Lake McDonald; Trail of the Cedars; RT 1.0;EG 60; Diff. 1.12; Hike on a raised boardwalk, Ancient Forest of Hemlocks & Red Cedars, views of Avalanche Gorge, Waterfalls. Popular with everyone, even children.
#3) Lake McDonald; Branch to Avalanche; RT4.0; Diff. 4.75; To the lake itself, framed by mountains, tall cedars
#4) Lake McDonald; Forest Fire Nature Trail; R 1.1; EG 180; Diff. 1.46; No crowds. Witness the re-growth of a new forest as it recovers from the 2001 Moose fire. Scenic Views, Wildflowers.
#5) Lake McDonald; Johns Lake Loop; RT1.8; EG 225; Diff. 2.25; Waterfalls, Lake Views.
#6) Lake McDonald; Rocky Point Nature; RT 1.9; EG 350; Diff. 2.60; Views of Lake McDonald, Scenic Views of mountains in Sperry Glacier Vicinity.
#7) Many Glacier; Swiftcurrent Nature Trail; RT 2.9; EG 25; Diff. 2.95; Scenic and Lake Views, Forest.
#8) Many Glacier; Redrock Falls; RT 4.2; EG 285; Diff. 4.77; Cascades, Waterfalls, 2 Sub-alpine Lakes, Scenic Views, wildlife (moose).
#9) St. Mary Lake: St. Mary Falls; RT 1.7; EG 215; Diff. 2.13; Waterfalls.
#10) St. Mary Lake, Virginia Falls; RT 3.6; EG 525; Diff. 4.65; Waterfalls, dropping more than 50 ft. off a sheer cliff. Also, St. Mary Falls, and two other falls on trail.
Have fun!
Written March 7, 2017
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