10 miles of staggering beauty, this alpine hike takes you through picturesque forest-lined mountainsides, waterfalls, dozens of runoff streams, glacial snow and Iceberg Lake.
The Iceberg Lake Trail is roughly 9.4 miles out and back and is considered moderate. There is over 1,400 feet of elevation gain, mostly gradual on th way back, but otherwise its mainly the distance that makes this hike challenging. Depending on the season there will also be varying amounts of ice, snow and slippery trail conditions. This took us 3.5 hours going at a quick pace, with dozens of quick stops to take pictures, and a few minutes to relax at the turnaround point of Iceberg Lake. Since it’s within a national park. dogs cannot use this trail.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Iceberg Lake Trail, search for the Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead in Glacier National Park, MT or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From the east side of Glacier National Park, take Highway 89 north until you get to Babb. Just before you’ll take a left to get to the Many Glacier area. You’ll pass through the entrance station and then take the road all the way to the end at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Park anywhere, it can get busy, and find the trailhead.
Driving Info: This is an easy and accessible drive the whole way, however these roads can be closed during inclement weather so reference the NPS website for latest conditions. There’s also plenty of wildlife on the roads so be cautious.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in early July. The weather cool in the morning and got progressively warmer throughout the day, but it can change drastically so stay aware.
Gear: Like any hike in Glacier National Park, bring bear spray and decent boots since there are plenty of loose rocks, running water and potential ice/snow on the trails. There is little shade on this hike so wear sunscreen and bring a hat/sunglasses.
Trail Navigation: The trail is easy to follow the entire way since you essentially cut into the canyon as far as you can go. There is one trail junction about halfway to the lake.
Water & Food: Definitely bring water since this hike takes a few hours and is in the sun most of the time. You can enjoy a snack at Iceberg Lake as well.
Trailhead Info: This is a popular trail with a fairly large parking lot, but it will fill up on weekends and during peak tourist season.
Pictures of the Iceberg Lake Trail:
Right away from the trailhead you’ll ascend 250 feet, and from then on you’ll hug the mountainside with views like this. At this time of year everything is bright green with flowers blooming.
Parts of this trail will cut through thicker forest sections. Pay attention for grizzly bears since you have less overall visibility.
Nearly 3 miles in you’ll make it to Ptarmigan Falls. This is a view from above the falls – you cross over a bridge – before you continue on along the mountainside. In sections with rushing water it’s also important to be aware of grizzly bears since the loud sound from the falls drowns everything out.
Staggering mountain peaks on your left side the entire hike to the lake.
Depending on the time of year, there may be challenging icy or snowy sections. This is looking up the mountain while crossing one of the snowy sections that has yet to melt in early July.
Looking back towards the valley you trespassed, you’re greeted with this postcard-worthy view of the canyon.
Looking forward towards Iceberg Lake, there is still a fair amount of snow in July. But the runoff water has left everything around it bright green.
Once you get closer to the lake you’ll encounter this smaller pond before the lake. Keep trekking on above this pond.
From within the canyon bowl of mountains, you are now looking at Iceberg Lake. In July it’s still frozen over since it rarely gets sun beneath these towering peaks.
The view from above the pond before you start your journey back to the trailhead.
One of the dozens of runoff waterfalls along the mountainside. The layers of color in this photo are amazing.
Getting closer to the trailhead, the color alpine mountainsides never cease to impress, especially on a bright and sunny day.
As always in Glacier National Park, keep a lookout for grizzly bears. And exercise good trail etiquette since there are usually lots of other hikers on this trail.
