Hiking Avalanche Lake In Glacier National Park

Today is Travel Tuesday

I'd like to show you a hike in Glacier National Park, Montana - This hike is to Avalanche Lake
This trailhead begins at the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead (which is on the Going-To-The-Sun road.)

You'll hike in the middle of this beautiful cedar forest for about a mile before you get to the Avalanche Lake Trailhead start.

Trail runs along rivers and streams, but you won't see them the entire way.  But you'll hear them down below the mountain roaring.  Occasionally you can walk out to different look-out's to get a better view.

This forest is beautiful and lush, you'll love being surrounded in the quiet of the forest, and the roar sitting creekside as you watch the water cut down the mountain.

When you get near the end of the trail, you'll start to see the lake.

One of the first views you'll see near the end of the trail.  If you walk around down the smaller trail, it will open you up to the beachside view of the lake as seen below.

The above picture of the lake was one of the favorites that I took on this hike.  If you look close, you can see the many waterfalls running down the mountain behind.
The mountain in the distance is Bearhat Mountain which rises 4,800 feet up behind the lake.  The actual elevation at the top of that mountain is 8,694.

Depending on the time of year you go, your views may be different.  I hiked this in mid July.

That water is glacial water, so yes it is very cold you won't actually want to spend time playing in the water itself.

As you hike back down the trailhead, take a few extra moments and venture off the trail a little at points to see spectacular views like the one above.  (Just be safe and watch your footing, don't put yourself at risk, as this is a very steep canyon.)

As your hiking, take a moment to stop and take a water break in the beautiful lush mossy forest.  Surrounded by tall cedars, you'll be at peace.  Look around some of the tree's, and you can actually see traces of bears who have come through to scratch them up.  Listen to the beautiful songs of the mountain birds.


IF YOU GO:

*  Trail is a 4.5 mile loop
*  Trail is wheelchair accessible for a good portion on the Trail of the Cedars
*  I recommend taking this hike starting early in the morning, this will give you the best picture taking opportunities.
*  Depending on the time of year, mosquito repellent my be required
*  There is much, much more to do and see withing the National Park, I'd recommend 5-7 days of vacationing to see as much of the park as you can.
*  I highly recommend visiting Glacier National Park in the next few years, as it won't be too long before Glacier has no more glaciers due to melting!
*  For more information visit the National Park Website HERE