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Plan Your Avalanche Lake Hike from Columbia Falls, Montana - Book an Outdoor Adventure

Don't miss the glacier-fed Avalanche Lake-one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park that you can reach from Columbia Falls, Montana; the route begins in the old-growth forest of the Trail of the Cedars, where towering Western red cedars shade your climb toward the lake, and the trail follows Avalanche Creek with cool rushing water and steady elevation guiding your way; along the path you'll pass glacial boulders and avalanche blowdowns that reveal the raw forces shaping the valley, and the hike culminates at a striking glacial cirque still fed by Sperry Glacier, the dramatic source of the waters you see flowing downstream.

About this activity in Columbia Falls

Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation.

Highlights

  • Hike to glacier-fed Avalanche Lake inside Glacier National Park, ending at a stunning cirque still fed by Sperry Glacier.
  • Walk the old-growth Trail of the Cedars beneath towering Western red cedars as the path follows cool Avalanche Creek.
  • Experience dramatic glacial boulders and avalanche blowdowns that reveal the raw forces shaping the valley.
  • Enjoy a family- and Group-Friendly wilderness outing easily accessible from Columbia Falls, Montana, ideal for sightseeing and Outdoor & Nature lovers.

Important Information

  • Expect a moderate out-and-back trail that climbs gradually from the Trail of the Cedars; bring layers, water, and sturdy footwear as temperatures by the lake can be cooler.
  • The route follows Avalanche Creek and passes through shaded forest, so plan for variable footing and occasional wet sections-trail conditions change with season and snowmelt.
  • Wildlife is present in the park; carry bear-aware supplies and follow Glacier National Park guidelines for food storage and safe viewing distances.
  • Parking at the trailhead can fill early in peak season-consider arriving at first light or using park shuttles where available to avoid delays.

Meeting Point

Meet at the Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Lake trailhead parking area on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. From Columbia Falls, Montana, follow the park signs to the designated Avalanche Creek parking lot; look for the marked Trail of the Cedars boardwalk at the trail entrance.

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Plan your next event in Columbia Falls, Montana to tap into top-rated outdoor nature and Adventure & Thrill activities alongside Water-Based recreation, scenic Tours & Sightseeing, and Family & Kids options that make the area ideal for Group-Friendly gatherings. You'll find seamless ways to pair Workshops & Learning and Art & Culture experiences with Food & Drink and Shows & Entertainment to create memorable multi-day or full-day programs that suit couples, teams, and groups. Use the region’s mix of tours, Services, and Events to design an easy-to-book itinerary that connects stays with the things to do here.

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Know more about Columbia Falls

You’ll experience old-growth forest along the Trail of the Cedars, follow the cool waters of Avalanche Creek, and finish at a striking glacial cirque - Avalanche Lake - still fed by Sperry Glacier. The mix of towering Western red cedars, glacial boulders, and visible avalanche blowdowns showcases dramatic scenery that draws hikers to this classic Glacier National Park route.
Yes. The trail’s forested start along the Trail of the Cedars and the scenic route beside Avalanche Creek offer engaging natural features for families and kids, culminating at the visually striking Avalanche Lake, where Sperry Glacier’s influence on the landscape is easily seen.
Avalanche Creek guides the route with cool, flowing water that enhances the hike’s atmosphere as you climb toward Avalanche Lake. The creek’s presence, combined with nearby glacial features and the Trail of the Cedars’ old-growth trees, adds to the trail’s sensory appeal and sense of place.
The trail takes you beneath towering Western red cedars through an old-growth forest, alongside Avalanche Creek’s cool water, and past glacial boulders and avalanche blowdowns before opening to the cirque of Avalanche Lake fed by Sperry Glacier. The route highlights the ongoing glacial and avalanche forces that shape the valley.
You’ll find classic Outdoor & Nature and Adventure & Thrill elements: hiking through old-growth forest, creekside walking along Avalanche Creek, and observing glacial boulders and avalanche blowdowns. The destination - Avalanche Lake, a glacial cirque fed by Sperry Glacier - provides a rewarding scenic endpoint.
Along the trail you’ll encounter glacial boulders and avalanche blowdowns that reveal the powerful natural forces shaping the valley. Those features lead you to Avalanche Lake, a glacial cirque still fed by Sperry Glacier, which underscores the area’s glacial history.