Not every hike is family-friendly. From this social media famous trail in Europe to the Grand Canyon’s most dangerous trail, many routes simply aren’t suitable for both parents and their kids. If you’re traveling with elderly family members or anyone using mobility aids, finding an outdoor experience for everyone gets even more complex. Still, there are options that allow families to witness nature’s beauty together. One of these options is Glacier National Park’s Avalanche Lake Trail.
Colloquially known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park treats visitors to pristine alpine meadows, ephemeral ice formations, and mountainside water features like Avalanche Lake. Hikers can reach those crystal-clear waters via the park’s family-friendly Avalanche Lake Trail, a roughly 5-mile round trip route on well-kept pathways that follow Avalanche Creek through an old-growth forest.
Often considered a moderately challenging hike due to steep, craggy patches after the trail’s first half mile, the Avalanche Lake route earns its family-friendly title for a few reasons. First, the section between the Avalanche Picnic Area and the end of the Trail of the Cedars is wheelchair-accessible thanks to a wooden boardwalk and paved paths. Off-road wheelchairs may help people with mobility concerns tackle more of the trail. Additionally, some past visitors report that the route is manageable even for young kids and people with ankle or knee issues. Just make sure to wear good hiking boots, bring trekking poles, go at your own pace, and remain aware of your limits, and Glacier National Park’s Avalanche Lake Trail can be a fun outing for the whole family.
See what makes Avalanche Lake worth the hike
So, what can you and your family expect on the hike to Avalanche Lake? The journey begins on the Trail of the Cedars, where a boardwalk leads you through an old-growth forest full of towering cedar trees and chirping birds. As this scenic stretch meets up with the main section of Avalanche Lake Trail, walkways transition from boardwalk to well-trodden dirt paths. From here, hikers can either continue on and tackle a moderate trek up to Avalanche Lake or loop around back to the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead.
Sightseers who follow Avalanche Lake Trail further can look forward to a treasure trove of natural beauty, including creekside overlooks flanked by lush green trees and glimpses of spectacularly blue waters carving through truly unique rock formations. Expect to encounter some rocky passages, and come prepared with bear spray just in case any local grizzlies give you trouble. Don’t worry too much, though; you’re more likely to meet other hikers rather than bears on this popular trail.
After a few hours climbing hundreds of feet in elevation and passing memorable mountain vistas, you’ll finally meet Avalanche Lake. Located at an altitude of 3,865 feet, this beauty is surrounded by mountains that funnel melting ice and snow into the lake. Arguably best viewed on clear days when the water reflects the blue skies above, Avalanche Lake is a gorgeous sight that hikers of all ages will love.
Consider these factors before tackling Avalanche Lake Trail
