Are you looking for a moderately easy Glacier National Park hike? Not all boomer travelers are ready for a vigorous backcountry experience in the Montana wilderness. If a moderately easy hike is more your style, Avalanche Lake Trail is for you.
This popular Glacier National Park trail is an especially good first hike for boomer travelers (and others) who need to acclimate themselves to Glacier’s altitude and environment. Also, there are no steep cliffs to worry those who have a fear of heights (that would be me).
Need to gear up for a day hike? Be sure to scroll to the end of this article for my favorite day hiking gear.
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How do I get to Avalanche Lake Trail?
Avalanche Lake Trail is located on the West side of Glacier National Park. The Avalanche Lake trailhead is easy to reach—just a short drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road, which makes the trail convenient, but also busy, especially during the peak season. The parking lot fills quickly so plan your hike for earl in the morning or late afternoon.
Boomer Travel Tip
Visiting Glacier National Park will be complicated in 2024. Between May 24 and September 8, 2024, you will need a vehicle reservation to drive Going to the Sun Road from the West side or visit the North Fork (Bowman Lake). In addition, from July 1 through September 8, 2024, a vehicle reservation will be required to drive to Many Glacier. Apply here.
As soon as your vehicle passes through the west entrance of Glacier National Park, head straight for the parking area at Trail of Cedars Trailhead, about 5.5 miles east of Lake McDonald Lodge (book here).
You’ll start out on the Trail of Cedars nature trail. About halfway along the wheelchair accessible path, you’ll arrive at the Avalanche Lake Trailhead.
Alan and I hiked here on a nippy September morning when we participated in a Glacier National Park hiking program with Road Scholar. But this trail is easy to do on your own.
Our Avalanche Lake Trail hiking experience
Although the trail begins with a short but steep uphill climb, the approximately 4-mile-round-trip-trail has a slight elevation gain of 500 ft. over moderately rolling terrain. The journey takes hikers through an old growth cedar and hemlock forest to the glacier-fed Avalanche Lake.
It’s tempting to spend way too much time photographing Avalanche Creek as the trail skirts Avalanche Gorge towards the beginning of the trail. After all, who can resist capturing the scene of rushing water colored by glacial silt as it twists and turns around boulders on a path through the narrow channel?
Continuing on, the trail leaves the creek bank behind to travel through a dense forest of old growth cedar trees and hemlocks. Although the creek isn’t in view, the sound of gurgling water rushing through the creek is loud enough to be heard most of the way to Avalanche Lake.
Hiking through a temperate rainforest in Glacier National Park
“You’re standing on the eastern edge of the Pacific Northwest’s temperate rainforest,” Road Scholar guide, Stephanie Paidus, told us as we stopped for one of her frequent lectures on the flora and fauna in Glacier National Park.
Learning about what we were hiking through was one of the benefits of traveling on a group hiking program.
Continuing on the trail, hikers became spaced out. The forest grew quiet except for the twitter of birds and the rushing of Avalanche Creek.
Sunlight filtered through the thick branches of the cedar grove casting dapples of brightness on the moss-covered ground. The scene looked like a bolt of plush, green velvet cloth had been spread out underneath the forest canopy.
Growing up to 100 feet tall, some of the cedar trees in this grove are over 500 years old. If you’re willing to stop your progress toward Avalanche Lake for just a bit, you’ll watch chipmunks scampering in and out of downed limbs while birds sing as they flit about from branch to branch.
Close your eyes, take in a deep breath and just be in the cool peaceful forest. You’ll be happy for the moments you stopped in this curve of the trail on one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park.
Avalanche debris displays nature’s power
About 1.6 miles into the hike, we discovered another example of nature’s power. Downed trees littered the ground from an avalanche that thundered down Mt. Cannon in 2010.
A micro burst in 2011 contributed more downed trees. While it’s distressing to see so many fallen trees, it did open up a mountain view of Logan Pass that wasn’t previously visible.
Stop for lunch at Avalanche Lake
Reaching Avalanche Lake, Alan and I chose a seat on one of the large logs that were scattered on the beach. We pulled sack lunches (provided by Road Scholar) out of our backpacks as a gusty wind pushed clouds across the sky.
We munched on sandwiches while watching thin ribbons of waterfalls stream down rocky mountainsides. The waterfalls flow from Sperry Glacier, which cannot be seen from Avalanche Lake. What a scenic way to enjoy a picnic!
On the return trip, our group of hikers progressed each at his or her own pace, meaning that Alan and I stepped it up a bit to stretch our legs on this well-traveled trail. The forest was just as beautiful on the way back and it gave us extra time to photograph Avalanche Creek.
Boomer Travel Tip
I highly recommend this waterproof hiking guide: Day Hikes of Glacier National Park Map Guide.
Questions about the Avalanche Lake hike
This is a very popular Glacier National Park hiking trail, so you won’t be hiking alone. To avoid the crowds and be assured of a parking space, hike early or late in the day, especially during the summer.
Bear Spray! Seriously, this is grizzly bear (and black bear) country so you’ll want to bring bear spray and know how to use it. Bug repellant is another good idea, especially in the summer.
Pack a snack or lunch to enjoy as you sit on a log by the lake. And, by all means, bring your camera.
Will you need hiking poles? Not really. I always bring them but the trail is level enough that you really don’t need them.
Wearing layers is always a smart choice when hiking in Glacier National Park. The weather is changeable, so it pays to be prepared.
It can snow even in July and August, although rain is more likely. And much depends on the time of day that you’re setting out. Even in warmer weather, quick-drying hiking pants and long sleeve shirts are a good protection against sun and insects.
Here’s a complete list of day hiking essentials.
One of the biggest challenges to hiking Avalanche Lake trail is finding a parking space. The earlier you arrive, especially during the crowded summer season, the better your chances of finding a parking spot.
If you’re visiting in the summer, another option is to wait until late afternoon to hike to Avalanche Lake. You’ll have plenty of time to complete your hike before the sun sets (around 10 p.m. in the summer).
Fall is my favorite time to hike to Avalanche Lake.
This trail is perfectly doable on your own. If you’re unfamiliar with the region, or uncomfortable hiking in bear territory, rangers lead daily hikes in the summer.
Ranger-led hikes ares a great way to learn about plants and wildlife along the trail. Check the official park website for times and details.
Standing on the shore of Avalanche Lake as you watch waterfalls stream down the mountainsides means you’ve reached the pinnacle of this hike. Many of the waterfalls originate from Sperry Glacier. Unfortunately a view of the glacier is blocked by Little Matterhorn (7,886 ft.) mountain.
Of course watching water colored by glacial silt rush through the rocks of Avalanche Creek Gorge, at the beginning of the trail, is worth admiring and photographing. But the peaceful cedar forest calls to me. Sitting on the mossy ground, as dappled sunlight filters through the trees is a magical experience.
Besides chipmunks and birds, we didn’t see any wildlife during our hike. However it’s possible to see grizzly bears as well as black bears, and mule deer.
If bear activity is too close to the trail, rangers will close it. I recommend checking the Glacier National Park trail status reports page when planning your day.
Stay on the west side of Glacier National Park, for convenient access to Avalanche Lake trail. There are many places to stay in West Glacier, mostly outside of the park, although there are some vacation rentals and lodging at Apgar (an inholding that’s inside the park but not official national park lodging).
Lake McDonald Lodge offers historic national park accommodations in a lakeside setting inside Glacier National Park. It’s the closest lodging to the trailhead plus a convenient location for exploring more of the west side. Make your plans early as Lake McDonald Lodge books up a year in advance. But it never hurts to check for cancellations.
Belton Chalet, near the West entrance, is another historic choice. And we enjoyed a stay at Silverwolf Log Chalets on a beautiful fall road trip to Glacier. But there are many other nearby choices in West Glacier. Fair warning: all accommodations book up early.
From horseback riding to white water rafting, there’s plenty to do on the West side of Glacier National Park, both inside and outside the park. Check out this selection of activities that also offer free cancellation.
Driving to Polebridge is one of our favorite day trips. And, of course, you’ll want to book a red jammer bus tour to explore Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Or drive it yourself, but save plenty of time for the Hidden Lake Ovelook hike at Logan Pass or to explore a portion of the Highline Trail.
Try this Glacier National Park 4-day itinerary
For a trip that will thrill any national park lover, especially if you enjoy staying at Glacier National Park hotels that are historic lodges, here’s a four-day itinerary that could be easily stretched into a longer trip.
- Day one: Stay at Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side of Glacier. If there’s time, hike to Avalanche Lake or enjoy the boardwalk Trail of the Cedars.
- Day two: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road with a stop at Logan Pass to hike to the Hidden Lake Overlook before continuing to Many Glacier Hotel for two nights.
- Day three: Enjoy one of the hikes in the Many Glacier area. Grinnell Glacier or Iceberg Lake are probably the most famous, however hiking to Bullhead Lake is a moderately-easy favorite of mine that includes Redrock Falls. Boat rides are also available, which can cut down on some of the hiking mileage, but book ahead.
- Day four: Drive Chief Mountain Highway (about two hours) for a stay at Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park. Bring a passport as you’ll be crossing into Canada. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride on the lake.
Of course this isn’t nearly enough time to take advantage of the world-class hiking, kayaking and white water rafting available at Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes. Consider this a reconnaissance mission for your next boomer travel adventure to Montana.
Need to gear up for your hike? Here’s a day hiking shopping list filled with the items that I use on a day hike.
Day Hiking Essentials Shopping List
Would you rather purchase day hiking essentials all in one place? This Amazon shopping list makes it easy for you to buy what you need to be out on the trail in no time. Happy shopping!
Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Jacket, Soft Fleece with Classic Fit
A fleece jacket is perfect when your day hike begins on a cool spring or fall morning. Once you warm up, tie the jacket around your waist. That's what I do. It's also lightweight enough to easily stuff into a backpack. Buy one of the bright colors so your photo stands out from trail scenery.
Kirkland Signature Ladies' Water-Repellent Wind Resistant Softshell Jacket
This Kirkland jacket comes in many colors (I don't recommend black if you'll be wearing this in photos). I wear my red Kirkland Signature jacket on almost every adventure. The lining adds a bit of warmth, plus the outer shell is water repellent and wind resistant.
Waterproof Hiking Fanny Pack
How do we carry gear on a day hike? For short hikes, our choice is to wear a waterproof fanny pack that holds a water bottle on each side of the pack.
BAFX Adjustable Anti Shock Aluminum Hiking Poles for Walking or Trekking
Hiking poles take the pressure off hips and knees, especially on downhill portions of the trail. If you have a fear of heights, like me, hiking sticks offer stability and security.
HotHands Toe, Hand and Body Warmer Variety Pack
Your hands and toes will thank you for carrying adhesive warmers in your pack. They're perfect for when colder weather surprises you on the trail.
Osprey Packs Tempest Women's Hiking Backpack
The Osprey Tempest comes with cushioned shoulder pads and comfortable hip belts. It's my backpack choice for day hikes where I need to pack more gear in anticipation of changing weather conditions.
Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat
My Tilley Endurables hat protects me from the sun, plus the mesh airflo vent keeps my head from overheating.
KEEN Women's Targhee Waterproof Hiking Boots
For rocky trails, I wear a tough hiking boot like the Keene Targhee.
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock
Darn tough cushion socks keep my feet dry and comfortable. Good hiking socks provide essential cushioning for those long days of exploring.
Columbia Women's Standard Saturday Trail II Convertible Pant, British Tan, 6 Regular
These stretch hiking pants look good enough to wear around town. The convertible feature is handy for warmer days. And, ladies, these Columbia pants also come in plus sizes.
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
The LifeStraw has a 2-stage integrated filter that protects against, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter and sand, dirt, cloudiness and more. And your water will taste better, too!
HESTYA 4 Pack Mosquito Head and Face Netting
Avoid mosquito and insect bites with the Hestya mosquito head and face netting. Place the head netting over a hat and your neck and face will be protected. Comes in a set of four. This is perfect if you only occasionally hike in mosquito prone areas. Also easy to pack in your luggage.
Cliganic 10 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Wear these DEET-free mosquito repellent bracelets on your wrists and ankles to avoid bug bites on the trail. Each coil is individually wrapped in a reusable pouch. The essential-oil infused coils last for 10 days or 250 hours.
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