Avalanche Lake Trail (Glacier) Hiking Guide
Avalanche Lake is the most popular hike on the west side of Glacier: a gentle climb from the Trail of the Cedars boardwalk, past Avalanche Gorge, to a glacier-fed lake with waterfalls pouring in from the surrounding bowl. It suits most families, it stays reachable later in the year than the high trails, and in winter it becomes a snowshoe outing. Here is what to know about distance, parking and the season.
Permit: Glacier's entrance fee is $35 for a private vehicle, $30 for a motorcycle and $20 for each person 16 or older arriving on foot or bike, all valid 7 days, falling to $25, $20 and $15 between November 1 and April 30. The Glacier annual pass ($70) and America the Beautiful passes are accepted, and non-US residents 16 and older pay a further $100 per person unless using one of them. No cash. There was no vehicle reservation system in 2026.
Trail of the Cedars to the Lake
The hike begins on the Trail of the Cedars, a short accessible loop through western red cedar and hemlock beside Avalanche Creek; the park lists it at 0.7 miles and AllTrails at 0.9. Past the gorge footbridge the Avalanche Lake trail peels off and climbs gradually through forest beside the creek before leveling out at the lake's foot. The park gives 2.3 miles each way with about 500 feet of gain; AllTrails, which includes the cedar loop and a walk along the shore, maps 6.1 miles round trip with 705 feet.
Conditions This Fall
The park's trail-status map often flags this trail for bear frequenting and for wet, muddy stretches; when it does, the park asks hikers to walk straight through the mud rather than widen the trail around it. Waterproof boots help. The forested route is shaded and cool, and the park's averages make the west side warmer than Logan Pass by 10 to 15 degrees, so this is a good choice when the high country is wrapped in cloud.
Parking Without a Shuttle
The 2026 shuttle was redesigned as an express to Logan Pass and the park said plainly it would not serve Avalanche Lake or the Trail of the Cedars. That means driving to the Avalanche picnic area and trailhead, where the lots fill early on busy days. Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet aren't allowed on Going-to-the-Sun Road beyond Avalanche, so large RVs should plan to turn around here.
After the Road Gate Closes
The park usually keeps Going-to-the-Sun Road fully open to cars until the third Monday in October, then sets its west-side winter gate at Avalanche Creek or Lake McDonald Lodge depending on weather. The road beyond the gate stays open to hikers and cyclists, and in winter the unplowed stretch past Lake McDonald Lodge is a popular ski and snowshoe route, so reaching the lake can mean a few extra miles on the closed road. Remember that the park treats a closed road as backcountry trail, so dogs can't come along.
Bears in the Cedar Forest
Thick forest and a loud creek make it easy to surprise wildlife here. The park says bear bells are not adequate and recommends calling out and clapping at regular intervals instead, plus carrying bear spray where you can grab it. Never leave a pack or snacks on the lakeshore while you wander for photos; the park's food rule covers anything that held food, daypacks included.
Hiking tips for Avalanche Lake Trail (Glacier)
- Arrive early or late in the day; there is no 2026 shuttle stop for this trailhead.
- Wear boots that can handle mud and standing water on the fall trail.
- Keep your daypack with you at the lake; the park counts unattended packs as unattended food.
- Stay off the wet rocks and logs along Avalanche Gorge, where the creek runs fast and cold.
- After the winter gate moves, plan extra road miles on foot, snowshoes or skis to reach the trailhead.
Nearby trails to explore
- Apgar Lookout Trail
- Hidden Lake Overlook
- Highline Trail (Glacier)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Avalanche Lake is an easy day to share, from a family stroll in summer to a snowshoe in winter. Use TrailMates to find Glacier hikers heading for the Trail of the Cedars. Download the TrailMates app to connect.