A long day of hiking through rough terrain deserves a rewarding resting spot. You’d preferably find a campground with comfy digs, safe surroundings, and a view of unmatched beauty. Such a place exists at Cracker Lake on the northeast side of Montana’s Glacier National Park. Adventurous travelers looking for a worthwhile experience should flock to any of the lake’s three campgrounds, each offering a stunning sample of the area’s many sensory treasures.
Reaching the lake itself is part of the experience. Its eponymous trail traverses rough terrain and meadows, then passes a deep canyon. In case you can’t book a campsite, you can always hike 6.3 miles to reach the lake. It’s no surprise that Glacier is deemed the “Crown of the Continent,” as the park includes 700 miles of trails, traversing a diverse mix of vibrant landscapes. Jagged valleys mix with sloping meadows, while melting glaciers feed into lakes interspersed throughout the national park. You’ll experience one of the Treasure State’s most rewarding adventures and witness the park’s many natural glories while stopping by Cracker Lake.
Hike to Cracker Lake, then stay overnight — or not
Sure, there’s plenty to see at Glacier National Park. But your visit must include a stop by Cracker Lake and its spectacular campgrounds. You’ll greet each new morning alongside the lake’s unique hue, created by “rock flour,” a mix of glacial silt floating in the waters. The ethereal shade is a mix of turquoise, sky blue, and silver. The cliffs surrounding the lake jut almost 10,000 feet up toward the peak of Mount Siyeh, as the surrounding valleys add a touch of green.
Camp on the grassy slope at Cracker Lake’s southeast shore to get the best view of this enthralling beauty, although there is no bad angle from which to view the lake. There’s limited space at any of the three camping sites, so relish the solitary feeling you’ll experience while sitting tentside, staring at the lake’s beautiful waters.
If your attempts to secure a backpacking permit fall short, don’t despair. The hike to Cracker Lake is a very doable day trip, taking about four hours each way, depending on your tempo. Those looking to spare their feet and use a more traditional means of travel can book a horseback excursion through the park, leading to Cracker Lake. The equestrian route mimics the park’s earliest tourists, who spent weeks traversing Glacier Park on horse while overnighting in chalets and lodges that are still standing today. Horseback tours only operate from late spring through early fall, so plan accordingly.
When to visit Cracker Lake and how to get there
