Avalanche Lake Guided Day Hike In Glacier National Park
Description
Discover one of the most popular and beloved lakes of Glacier National Park with a family-friendly and educational day hike to Avalanche Lake.
Embark on an in-depth journey with this moderately challenging hike, stretching up to 5 miles with an elevation gain of 730 feet, one of the most sought-after adventures in all of Glacier National Park.
After arriving in Glacier National Park your trip begins with a scenic drive past the stunning Lake McDonald, leading to the Trail of the Cedars trailhead. Here, you'll delve into an educational hike through a boardwalk that meanders through an ancient forest, densely populated with western red cedars and western hemlocks. As you ascend along the Avalanche Lake trail, you'll be enchanted by the sights of avalanche blowdowns, massive glacial erratics, and a spectacular glacier-fed cirque basin that is sure to leave an indelible impression.
As you continue along the trail, your knowledgeable and experienced guide from the Glacier Institute will provide you with a deep education on wildlife, geology, and history, enriching your hiking experience with fascinating insights into the park's natural wonders.
Avalanche Lake Highlights
- Moderate Difficulty - One of the most popular and family-friendly trails in the park, this trip makes for a great day hike for most active families and those who prefer to keep hikes under 5 miles roundtrip.
- Iconic Views - Avalanche Lake is one of the many picturesque lakes throughout Glacier National Park. Be sure to pack your camera!
- Expert Guides - Knowledgeable guides from Glacier Institute will share information about the wildlife, geology, and history of the area along the way.
Ready for Another Hike?
Glacier National Park is a hikers' paradise with over 700 miles of trails to explore. If you're looking for more hiking experiences check out our guide to The Best Hikes in Glacier National Park.
Important Information
- All participants must be able to hike ~5 miles and 750 ft of elevation gain
- Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes online prior to the hike. A Vehicle Reservation is NOT required. Participation in this hike with the Glacier Institute acts as your Vehicle Reservation.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation?
You do NOT need a Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation for this tour, however, you do need a Glacier National Park Entry Pass.
Where can I purchase a Glacier National Park Entry Pass
If you do not carry an annual or lifetime pass you can purchase a Glacier National Park pass online at recreation.gov. We recommend purchasing a 7-day Private Vehicle Pass (1 per group) which can also be used for entry with your own vehicle or car rental.
How difficult is the hike to Avalanche Lake?
How big is the group we'll be hiking with?
Group hikes have a maximum of 13 people and a minimum of 3.
Can I expect to see wildlife?
Should I be worried about bears?
Each guide has undergone in-depth bear safety training and is knowledgeable of numerous safety techniques. Bear and other wildlife encounters are always a possibility in Glacier National Park, and if you would like to learn more about bear safety check out our travel guide Bear Aware: How to Stay Safe in Glacier National Park.
Know Before You Book
Quick Facts
Itinerary • 8h 00min • 4 activities
Join the rest of your group and meet your guide at the Glacier Institute before heading toward the park.
A scenic drive along the Flathead River before following Going-to-the-Sun Road along the shore of Lake McDonald.
Begin your journey hike with a slow incline to Avalanche Lake. Your educational guide will make frequent stops along the way as you learn more about park wildlife, geology, history, and more.
After completing your hike begin the trek back to Columbia Falls.