Avalanche Lake

The trailhead is located 6 miles up the Going-To-The-Sun Road from the Lake McDonald Lodge. If you plan on hiking this trail, arrive early. There is lots of parking, but on busy days during the summer, the parking lot fills up early.

Massive mountains surround the lake. The lake itself is named for the numerous avalanches that cascade down the surrounding mountains. If you get to Avalanche Lake on a warm day in May, you might be treated to the sights and sounds of the avalanches. During spring and early summer, these avalanches turn into dozens of waterfalls that cascade down from the highest peaks.

Wildlife possibilities include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer, and grizzly bears. Due to the large number of people that use this trail bear sightings are rare.

Avalanche Lake is arguably the most heavily used backcountry lake in Glacier National Park. It gains 500 feet of elevation in two miles (one way) and is one of the first hikes to open in the park.