With a round trip distance of 4 miles (6.4 km), the trail is a worthwhile hike across a relatively flat, diverse, vibrant, and stunning landscape that features panoramic views and incredible photo opportunities. The trail is located in the Glacier National Park near Lake Mc Donald, Montana. The other side of the TOTC has bathrooms with running water. 73 and ski via Meadow Lane and the truck trail. The mountain dominating the view towards the south is 7886-foot Little Matterhorn. This route has no parking fee, is b… We enjoyed walking along the lakeside rather than the trail after reaching lake. The hike to Avalanche Lake begins from the Trail of the Cedars trailhead. So we had to park one mi, Would highly recommend taking the hike to Avalanche Lake. Avalanche Lake Trail: The Best Hike in West Glacier When we visited Glacier National Park in early July, we had no clue the Going-to-the-Sun Road would still be closed to vehicular traffic due to winter snowfalls. At roughly 1.1 miles the trail departs from Avalanche Creek. Do this hike! Holland Falls National Recreation Trail. The Lake Agnes Tea House is one of the most popular locations in Lake Louise AND it is prime avalanche terrain in the winter. The start of the hike is through the. Got to the trailhead at 7:30AM on 8/7/2018 and got the last parking spot - you definitely want to get there early for this hike! We arrived at 10am and parking was already full. Here you'll have an up-close view of the amazing power of glacially melted water as it rushes through the narrow gorge. The going is very easy until you reach a creek bed, then you better hope it didn't rain the night before. As its namesake implies, it leads to Avalanche Lake and it is accessed via the Trail of Cedars trailhead/trail. Hikers on the eastern portion of the loop travel along a raised boardwalk as they pass through a forest of ancient western hemlocks and red cedars. The lake was nice despite being The other side of the TOTC has bathrooms with running water. The usual start is Adirondack Loj ($10/day parking fee) located at the end of Adirondak Loj Rd., a 5 mile road to the right off of Rt. Avalanche Creek Trail #1959, also called Avalanche Lake Trail, is an intermediate/moderate dog friendly trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly. Fish Lake 2.7 mi (4.3 km) Elevation gain: 1,000 ft (305 m) Trailhead: Sperry Trailhead. Avalanche Pass and Avalanche Lake Trail - New York | AllTrails The entire round trip took us 3 hours and 15 minutes. You need to hike just a little past where the lake meets the trail at its foot to get to a pretty beach with benches. Sadly, On March 8, 2014, two individuals died in an avalanche at Lake Agnes. Show 2 More Check-Ins Aug 1, 2018 John Gunkel. A short distance away is a large beach area that provides plenty of space to soak-in the magnificent scenery. Though hikers will no longer be able to see the stream, you'll still be able to hear the rush of cascading water for the remainder of your hike. Location: 77.1 miles northeast of Missoula. This is a short hike to a beautiful lake surrounded by 1500 foot cliffs with waterfalls. before using any information on this site. Avalanche Lake is a classic hike in Glacier National Park. If you look closely at the cliffs and mountains that surround the lake you'll notice several long waterfalls plunging hundreds of feet as they make their way towards the shore. "that Avalanche Basin would be a most appropriate name for the place". more, Recommended experiences in and around Glacier National Park. The trailhead is across the road from the pullout. For us, it did, so the "dry" creek was flowing and we spent a lot of time hopping between rocks. The trailhead begins on the south side of Going to the Sun Road at Avalanche Creek. It’s a well marked trail and it’s a family friendly hike suitable for hikers of all ages. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy Like. Length: 3.4-mile … As one of the first days of summer, it was forecast to be in the 80s with clear blue skies and beautiful dry Montana air. Great hike. Some of the trees in this area are more than 500 years old. While the trail steadily climbed toward the lake, it was a gradual ascent and not too hard to manage. The trail is 4.6 miles round trip and offers many nice views of the stream and surrounding mountains. Look closely and you'll also notice the lush green of ferns and mosses growing along the forest floor. Snow Lake is also a tempting destination in winter, but the steep terrain in the first part of the trail puts visitors at high avalanche risk when snow is present. One of my Favorite Hikes to this Calm Lake, We hiked this trail on Monday, 8/31. It is just past this point that you’ll find the Avalanche Lake Trail junction. Although no longer in direct contact, the trail continues to loosely follow the creek up to the lake. 73 two miles east toward Keene. Once we got to Avalanche Lake, the water was calm which made for great photos and you can walk along the Lake. Halfway through your Trail of the Cedars hike in Glacier National Park, you will see a trail that takes you to Avalanche Lake. You should h ave proper gear and an understanding of how to read the snowpack before venturing out on this trail. Trail in White River National Forest, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The trail then descends to Avalanche Lake. There are 5-10 parking spots at the trailhead and plenty of camping opportunities along the road. You should also note that this is an extremely popular area, which means parking can be an issue during the middle of the day, especially during peak tourist season. Many of these waterfalls originate from Sperry Glacier, which rests beyond Little Matterhorn and can't be seen from the lake. The lake is about 2 miles from this junction, and the trail is very gradual and easy. In less than a tenth-of-a-mile you'll arrive at the banks of Avalanche Creek. Elevation Gain/Loss: 600ft / 180m. Staying left on trail of the cedars takes you past avalanche creek just before the avalanche lake trailhead. The best option is to take the shuttle from Apgar Village, Lake McDonald Lodge or one of the other stops along the way. overcast and we had lunch here. Yesterday was bound to be an amazing day. The Avalanche Lake trailhead is well marked, starting with a large map. As soon as your vehicle passes through the west entrance of Glacier National Park, head straight for the parking lot at Trail of the Cedars Loop Trail, about 5.5 miles east of Lake McDonald Lodge. Staying left on trail of the cedars takes you past avalanche creek just before the avalanche lake trailhead. These are private tours (your party only), hotel pick up and drop off included, you call the stops, we take your photos for you, And we offer complimentary snacks and drinks. ? Hiking to Avalanche Lake. There seemed to be quite a number of people on this trail. Family started hike at Adirondack Loj and we stopped mid-way on Avalanche Lake. The boardwalk along this portion of the loop encourages visitors to take their time as they pass through habitat more normally found on the Pacific Coast. It is moderate in length, moderate in elevation gain, and the reward at the end is simply marvelous. Quick Facts About The Avalanche Lake Trail In Glacier National Park Avalanche Lake is a popular day hike in Glacier National Park, becuase of its easy-to-reach location, gradual elevation gain, and … While exploring the basin in June of 1895, Sperry saw and heard multiple avalanches roaring down the surrounding mountains, and agreed with his exploring party "that Avalanche Basin would be a most appropriate name for the place". So what else could we possibly do but make the 45 minute drive to Glacier National Park and explore a different hiking trail! The Avalanche Lake trailhead is accessed by traveling up Beaver Creek Road off of Hebgen Lake Road. Approximately one half mile from the trailhead you’ll reach a footbridge that provides views of the lower Avalanche Gorge. 2 miles About half an hour 500 feet Easy You can take the 5 mile round trip hike to Avalanche Lake through the Trail of the Cedars. Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, The hike there is moderately strenuous, but pretty doable for anyone in decent shape. breathtaking views of waterfalls coming from the top of the mountains. On a return trip later that summer Sperry would discover the glacier that now bears his name. Although the western segment of the loop is slightly shorter, the eastern side is far more scenic. At Avalanche Lake you get. Moderate difficulty, good for all hikers. The hike to the Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars is a 5.7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 730 feet. At 2.3 miles hikers will finally reach the foot of Avalanche Lake. One can also park on the road at four miles from Rt. Avalanche Lake Trail . The view at the lake is amazing with a lake surrounded by mountains and multiple waterfalls emptying into the lake, We came here with a local who suggested this hike on our first day exploring the park. Be prepared for a lot of incline. Our hotel was in Whitefish which was 1 hour away. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Some sections begin as a boardwalk, but it quickly becomes a well-travelled dirt path. The Trail of the Cedars, a wheelchair accessible trail, is a loop hike that begins and ends along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This small group tour, no more than 4, is a jeep safari or SUV You will have your own tour guide as well as your own professional photographer. Just past this point is the Avalanche Lake Trail junction. Length 6.7 mi Elevation gain 757 ft Route type Out & Back The first part, Trail of the Cedars, is very easy where parts of it is on flat boardwalk. Virtual Tour of Avalanche Pass Trail. Avalanche lake is a 12-mile round trip from the parking lot. Challenging for children, long hike (we left 11am and made it back… Oct 5, 2018 Mike Burton. Roughly one-half mile from the trailhead hikers will reach a footbridge that spans Avalanche Creek and provides a commanding view of the lower Avalanche Gorge, one of the highlights along this stretch of the trail. We went in the late afternoon when we could park and the lake was quieter. There are composting toilets at the trailhead, actual toilets in the Avalanche campgrounds (about 0.2 miles from the road), and a pit toilet up at the lake. Forest and Fire Nature Trail 1.1 mi loop (1.8 km) Elevation gain: 180 ft (55 m) Trailhead: Parking area off Camas Road near Camas Creek Entrance. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The hike to Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park begins from the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead, located 5.5 miles east of the Lake McDonald Lodge. The trail begins at a wheelchair accessible trail called the Trail of Cedars and starts 16 miles from the west entrance of Glacier National Park along Going-To-The-Sun Road. The hike in is roughly 6.5 miles and 2200’ of elevation gain. The hike past the lake is a bit demanding, especially with full packs, many choose to stop here and enjoy the views of the sheer rock cliffs of Colden and Avalanche Mountain as they meet the cold, placid waters of Avalanche Lake. Parked at trailhead. Howe Lake 1.6 mi (2.6 km) Elevation gain: 240 ft (73 m) Trailhead: Howe Lake Trailhead on Inside North Fork Road Avalanche Lake Trailhead sign with trail info and photo of the lake/mountains at the summit See the map of Avalanche Lake hiking trail below. This is an 11 mile dirt trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Carbondale, CO. To get to the trailhead from Carbondale, travel south 12.5 miles on Highway 133. too difficult. Get Here. The lake sits at the base of 8694-foot Bearhat Mountain, which rises almost 4800 feet above the lake towards the northeast. The humidity in this valley allows the cedars to grow to heights of 100 feet, and diameters of 4 to 7 feet. Situated on the eastern edge of the maritime climate of the Pacific Northwest, the Lake McDonald Valley also marks the extreme eastern limits for these trees. The view of the lake is iconic. It was an easy drive from Whitefish. During peak season, the trail can be crowded with large groups, and parking is often a challenge. What sets Avalanche Lake apart from the many lakes in the area isn’t its beauty, or its population of cutthroat trout, but the towering mass of rock above it- Granite Peak. Though the trail is very busy, the hike is beautiful and well shaded for most of the distance. Commonly searched for in Glacier National Park. To extend your hike, you can continue to follow the trail for 0.7 miles to the other end of the lake. 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My new book on the history of hiking has much more information about trail development in Glacier, as well as other anecdotal stories from the early years of the park. However, once the Avalanche Lake trail starts, it's not. Trail Description: The hike to Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park begins from the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead, located 5.5 miles east of the Lake McDonald Lodge. a darn good snowplow. Parked at trailhead. Please choose a different date. Setting off from Trail of the Cedars trailhead, you start your trek through a unique flora section, usually found on the Pacific coast. Hike to Avalanche Lake: Glacier National Park. For those lucky enough to be hiking the Trail of Cedars in Glacier Park, another visual treat, Avalanche Lake, is just off the trail and easily accessed within a half hour or so. As many people ski this route as snowshoe it, but the trail does require advanced intermediate ability - i.e. Cars pack tightly in this small lot between the hours of 10 am to 3 pm, so either go early or go very late. The hike to Avalanche Lake is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park. In between Sperry's two visits that summer, an unnamed local resident blazed a path to Avalanche Lake, making it, in all likelihood, the first trail to be constructed for tourists in the Glacier Park area. Avalanche Lake is popular. Avalanche Lake Trail is a half-day hike starting with the Trail of the Cedars then along the Avalanche Creek gorge. About halfway along the wheelchair accessible path, you’ll arrive at … We left at 6:15 am and arrived in the Avalanche Parking lot at 7:20 am and took the last spot. From there wind upwards through the forest for 2 miles to Avalanche lake. The most difficult part is probably finding parking. The lake was nice despite being. This area of Glacier National Park was named by Dr. Lyman Sperry. The trail turns from being a nice, level and paved path to a dirt trail with an immediate incline. Trailheads: Look for a pullout at Eleanor Lake, 19 miles (30.6 km) east of Fishing Bridge Junction (8 miles / 12.9 km west of East Entrance). nature trail, which is pretty with a stream plunging through a gorge. Copyright It's a mostly uphill hike but it's scenic and culminates with a wide open view of crystal clear lake surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. You'll also find several make-shift benches to rest on as well. Yet, a portion of the trail leading to Lake Agnes and all the trail beyond the teahouse are in prime avalanche terrain. If you are unfamiliar with Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main artery of the park. And along the way, the views are great. As you proceed up the rise look towards your right and you'll notice a very dense forest. The trail can be accessed from the Avalanche Creek Campground or the roadside parking areas on either side of Avalanche Creek. All rights reserved. Rating: moderate; Distance: 4.0 miles roundtrip Be sure to arrive early to get a parking spot near the trailhead. Trailhead . The trail starts at Trail of the Cedars and gradually increases in elevation. H iking the Avalanche Lake Trail is one of the most rewarding and low-commitment experiences in Glacier National Park. Park at the Avalanche Picnic area or near the Trail of Cedars trailhead . It is one of the most hiked trails in the Glacier National Park as it gives the views of lake and mountains and presents challenges as well. Avalanche Creek is a beautiful cascade lined by tall pines and lush greenery. @ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); HikinginGlacier.com. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October.

Your day tour starts in Missoula and takes you to The Most Beautiful National Park in The United States. The Trail of the Cedars, a wheelchair accessible trail, is a loop hike that begins and ends along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Avalanche Lake trail has been known to close due to bears. Globe Trekkers is all about giving you The VIP and attention you deserve! Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Trailhead: In the Avalanche Campground area, hike the Trail of the Cedars until the Avalanche Lake Trail takes off approximately halfway through. Everyone in our party enjoyed, would recommend. The incline is not steep, but it does continue for the next 1.5 miles. We carried bear spray and luckily didn't need it. Stops at The National Bison Range as well as Flathead Lake. Upon reaching the confluence of Hidden Creek and Avalanche Creek, roughly 1.6 miles from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, hikers will find hundreds of downed trees, the result of recent avalanches that thundered down the southern slopes of Mt. Avalanche Lake Trail is located 5.5 miles east of the Lake McDonald Lodge, next to Avalanche Campground, along the Going to the Sun Road. Hike Info. After about 2 and a half miles you finally get to Avalanche Lake, which is a very nice lake with some waterfalls in the background, but it pales in comparison to the views from Lake McDonald which you pass on the way to the trailhead. This hike starts at the Trail of the Cedars trailhead located at the north end of Lake McDonald. Avalanche Lake is a beautiful 4 mile (roundtrip) out and back hike in Glacier National Park. When we visited Glacier NP, only parts of the park was open due to COVID. Luckily for us, the trail was open when just a week before, it was closed. The lake is crystal clear and gives perfect mirror like reflections. Cannon. For perhaps a little more solitude, as well as some varying perspectives of the surrounding mountains, hikers can continue on the trail as it follows along the western shoreline to the head of the lake. This is a long route and will need some backcountry winter camping equipment for safety. The trail was not too crowded and well, This was our second hike of out trip and is an absolute must. Details . If you're looking to go home with some great photographs you may want to consider starting your hike around daybreak in order to reach the lake before the sun rises above the mountains to the east, or, wait until later in the afternoon when the sun is behind you. Avalanche Lake Trail starts at the eastern half of Trail of Cedars. Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars is a 6.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lake Mc Donald, Montana that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Trailhead: In the Avalanche Campground area, hike the Trail of the Cedars until the Avalanche Lake Trail takes off approximately halfway through. Avalanche Lake lies beneath Montana’s highest mountain, Granite Peak, and is fed by melting snow and ice from Granite Glacier, giving the lake a beautiful teal color. After turning left onto the Avalanche Lake Trail hikers will immediately encounter a short, but steep climb.