Exploring Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park: An In-depth Guide

Exploring Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park: An In-depth Guide

Discover the breathtaking Avalanche Lake Trail in Glacier National Park, a moderate hike that offers stunning views, tranquil waters, and a thriving trout population. Located on the park's West Side, the trailhead is easily accessible with a timed entry vehicle reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The Avalanche Lake Trail, approximately 5.9 miles long, winds through a beautiful cedar forest and follows Avalanche Creek. The initial part of the trail leads you to Monument Falls, a picturesque waterfall cascading down the mountainside. The trail has a gradual incline, with an elevation gain of 757 feet, and ends at the serene Avalanche Lake. The lake, fed by melting snow and ice from Sperry Glacier, boasts a maximum measured depth of about 63 feet.

One of the trail's highlights is the shoreline trek around the right side (southeastern shore) of the lake. The Trail of the Cedars, a 0.9-mile loop, shares a parking area with Avalanche Lake, making it an excellent choice for non-hikers in the group. The first half mile of the Avalanche Lake Trail is on this loop.

To reach the Avalanche Lake Trailhead, you'll need a reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road, which can be found on Recreation.gov. Reservations are required daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Going-to-the-Sun Road via the West Entrance and the North Fork from June 13 through September 28, 2025. Outside these hours, no reservation is needed if you enter before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

To secure your reservation, log in to Recreation.gov at either 120-day advance (beginning at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, starting February 12, 2025, on a rolling basis) or next-day (becoming available each day at 7 p.m. Mountain Time, starting June 12, 2025, for entry the following day). It is recommended to log in precisely at 7 p.m. and submit your request shortly after, ideally by 7:01 p.m., since these passes are in high demand.

Remember, the reservation is required per vehicle, regardless of the number of occupants. The person who purchases the reservation must be present in the vehicle. Keep a printed or digital copy of your reservation confirmation handy, as cell service in the park is unreliable. Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet are prohibited on this road segment.

With your reservation in hand, you'll have legal access to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road and reach the Avalanche Lake Trailhead parking area to start your hike. The parking lot is small and limited, requiring early morning or afternoon arrivals. Alternatively, the Avalanche Creek Campground offers parking, but reservations can sell out months in advance.

So, gear up and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through Glacier National Park's Avalanche Lake Trail. With its picturesque scenery, tranquil waters, and thriving trout population, it's an experience you won't want to miss!

| Step | Details | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Reservation site | Recreation.gov | | Reservation windows | 120-day advance at 8 a.m. MT; next-day at 7 p.m. MT | | Hours requiring reservation | 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily (June 13–Sept 28, 2025) | | Entrance for Avalanche Lake| West Entrance | | Vehicle restrictions | Max 21 feet length, max 8 feet width | | Confirmation to have | Printed or digital copy of reservation |

1. For an unforgettable hike at Glacier National Park, plan to trek the Avalanche Lake Trail, which passes through a beautiful cedar forest, winds along Avalanche Creek, and ends at a serene lake teeming with trout.
2. The trail offers stunning views, including the picturesque Monument Falls, and has a gradual incline, making it an attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
3. To access the trailhead, secure a timed entry vehicle reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road on Recreation.gov. Reservations are required daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Going-to-the-Sun Road via the West Entrance and the North Fork from June 13 through September 28, 2025.
4. Remember, the reservation is per vehicle, regardless of the number of occupants, and it's essential to keep a printed or digital copy of your confirmation handy, as cell service in the park can be unreliable.
5. After securing your reservation, you can park at the Avalanche Lake Trailhead or opt for the Avalanche Creek Campground, but campsite reservations can sell out months in advance. Be prepared for an incredible adventure in the outdoors with camping, hiking, and sports experiences awaiting you on the Avalanche Lake Trail.

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