Are dogs allowed on Avalanche Lake Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Avalanche Lake Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Avalanche Lake Trail?

No, Avalanche Lake Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Avalanche Lake Trail?

Avalanche Lake Trail is rated easy. It is 4.6 miles long with 732 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Avalanche Lake Trail?

Avalanche Lake Trail is best hiked in summer and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

1 / 4

EasyOut and Back

Glacier National Park/Montana

Avalanche Lake Trail

West Glacier, Montana

4.6 mi

Distance

732 ft

Elev. Gain

2h 20m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Family-friendly hike through old-growth cedars to a glacier-carved lake surrounded by 3,000-foot cliffs with multiple waterfalls. Begins on accessible Trail of the Cedars.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weather

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:406-888-7800
Address:64 Grinnell Drive, Glacier National Park Headquarters · West Glacier, MT · 59936

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Highlights

Avalanche LakeOld-growth cedarsWaterfallsTrail of the CedarsGlacier-carved cirque

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Avalanche Lake Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

Nearby Trails

Highline Trail

Hidden Lake Overlook

Deadwood Falls

Baring Falls Via Piegan Pass Trail

Iceberg Lake Trail

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Other trails in Glacier National Park

Highline Trail

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Iceberg Lake Trail

Hidden Lake Overlook

Deadwood Falls

Quartz Lake Loop Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Avalanche Creek

Sperry Chalet Campground

Gunsight Lake Campground

Lake Ellen Wilson Backcountry Campground

Sprague Creek Campground

Flattop Campground

Similar trails in Montana

Hidden Lake Overlook

Storm Castle Peak

Sypes Canyon

Holland Lake and Falls

Bass Creek Trail

Basin Lakes Trail No. 61