

Upon reaching the Ptarmigan Trail junction, hikers should turn left. However, once on the Ptarmigan Trail, the gain in elevation is much more moderate. This connector trail is a fairly steep climb, gaining roughly 185 feet in just one-quarter of a mile. Just beyond the Iceberg Lake Trailhead hikers will immediately turn right at a junction to access the short connector trail that leads to the Ptarmigan Trail. This will add a walk of another two-tenths of a mile to reach the trailhead. However, given the popularity of the area, it's likely the lot will be full, in which case you'll have to park in front of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. There's enough parking for roughly 10-15 cars in the lot next to the trailhead. The hike to Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park begins behind the cabins near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Outstanding views, Alpine Lake, Wildflowers Always plan ahead, be prepared for wildlife encounters and check in with the National Parks Service for current conditions before hitting the trails.Hiking Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks provides details for more than 60 hikes, including trail descriptions, best hiking seasons, difficulty ratings, average hiking times, GPS- compatible maps, and hikes suited to every ability. Trailhead: The Avalanche Lake Trail begins from the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead, located 11 miles northeast of Motel Lake McDonald.Įarly season access to hiking in Glacier National Park is dependent on weather, seasonal snow melt and wildlife activity. In addition to the steep cliff walls surrounding the lake and basin that gave it the name Avalanche Lake, the lake also holds a claim to fame for being one of the first walking trails developed for tourist use in the late 1800s. It’s a perfect season-starter hike with moderate elevation gain and trail length. One of Glacier National Park’s most popular hikes, Avalanche Lake is one to check of the bucket list early in the summer season. Trailhead: The Ptarmigan Trailhead is the same as the Iceberg Lake Trailhead, located at the end of the Continental Divide Trail (Route 3) in Many Glacier. The 240-foot long tunnel, originally built for horseback tours of the park in the 1930s, leads through the heart of the mountain to an incredible viewpoint of the glacially-sculpted valley. The trail winds through pine forests and huckleberry patches, and then along the shores of Ptarmigan Lake, where Bighorn sheep and mountain goats can often be seen.įrom the lake, the trail switchbacks steeply to the entrance of the Ptarmigan Tunnel. Ptarmigan Trail is a gem of a hike that ends with an added bonus. Trailhead: The Iceberg Lake Trailhead is located at the end of the Continental Divide Trail (Route 3) in Many Glacier, 21 miles from St. Iceberg Lake itself is ringed by peaks that tower 3,000 feet above, protecting the snowdrifts on the cliff walls from the sun. The Iceberg Lake hike is a Glacier classic, known for wildflowers along the trail and stubborn snow and ice around the lake that often doesn’t melt until September! The trail is best in late June or early July, at the peak of wildflower season and before the mid-summer crowds arrive.

#Iceberg lake trail glacier cracker#
Trailhead: The Cracker Lake Trailhead begins from eastern shore of Swiftcurrent Lake, 20 miles from St. As Cracker Lake is far removed from the busier places of Glacier National Park, be extra bear aware when making this excursion.

From creek crossings to exploring old growth forests, the terrain of this hike is varied and exciting. Siyeh and Allen Mountain, Cracker Lake has an enchanting feel to it that is more than worthy of the 12-mile trek. Hidden deep within the backcountry of the Many Glacier Valley lies a turquoise lake that sits in stillness. Here are four of our favourite iconic Glacier hikes to put on your list this summer. Upwards of 700 miles of hiking trails lead through the park, from forest strolls to steep scrambles.įrom the moment that trails become clear of snow, locals and visitors begin running for the mountains. Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise.
