Iceberg Lake Trail (Glacier) Hiking Guide
Iceberg Lake lies in the shadow of Mount Wilbur, which keeps it so cold that, as AllTrails puts it, icebergs float on it year-round. The trail to it is a steady, mostly open walk from behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, with a rest stop at Ptarmigan Falls and big views of the Many Glacier valley the whole way. It's long but not steep, which makes it one of the most rewarding moderate days in the park.
Permit: You need a Glacier National Park entrance pass: $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per walker or cyclist 16 and over, valid 7 days, with winter pricing of $25, $20 and $15 from November 1 through April 30. Annual ($70) and America the Beautiful passes work too. Non-US residents 16 and older are charged $100 more per person unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Payment is cashless. No vehicle reservation was required at Many Glacier in 2026.
Length and Grade
AllTrails measures the round trip at 9.6 miles with 1,397 feet of gain, about four and a half to five hours. The park lists 4.8 miles each way and 1,200 feet of climbing from the Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead. Ptarmigan Falls comes 2.7 miles in by the park's count, and the Iceberg Lake trail branches off at a junction just above it. AllTrails describes most of the route as open, with the forested stretches in the middle.
Ptarmigan Falls and the Split
Ptarmigan Falls is the natural place for a break. Keep the food in your hands and the pack on your back; the park asks hikers never to leave either unattended. Just above the falls the trail forks: one branch climbs to Ptarmigan Lake and the tunnel, the other continues to Iceberg Lake, so read the junction sign.
Grizzly Country
AllTrails notes this route is known for grizzly sightings, and autumn is when Glacier's bears are at their busiest. The park's guidance is to hike in groups, call out regularly, avoid running on the trail and carry bear spray in an accessible place. Give any bear at least 100 yards; approaching closer is prohibited. Trails here can be closed for bear activity at short notice, so check the park's status map before driving in.
Seasons and Snow
Snow often lingers in the lake basin early in the season, and in fall the park warns of an increasing chance of significant snowfall that can hide the trail. Driving in stays possible into November, since the park typically shuts the valley road for winter around that month's third weekend; the hotel and motor inn close after summer. Wind comes with the east side, too, with downslope gusts the park puts at 50 mph and up.
Entrance and Parking
The trailhead sits behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, deep in the Many Glacier valley. The 2026 season had no vehicle reservations here, though rangers could temporarily hold cars at the entrance on congested days. The station takes cards only.
Hiking tips for Iceberg Lake Trail (Glacier)
- Bring a windproof layer; open slopes and the lake basin catch strong east-side gusts.
- Read the junction sign just above Ptarmigan Falls to stay on the Iceberg Lake trail.
- Scan the open slopes ahead with binoculars before rounding blind bends.
- Don't walk out onto snow or ice at the lake's edge; the water beneath is near freezing.
- Check that the Many Glacier Road is open before a late-season trip; it closes for winter in November.
Nearby trails to explore
- Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail
- Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Cracker Lake Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Iceberg Lake is a classic Many Glacier day, and the walk goes faster with company in bear country. Use TrailMates to find Glacier hikers heading to Iceberg Lake. Download the TrailMates app to connect.