Montana may not have any oceanfront beaches, but some of our lakes have such incredible shorelines, you won’t even miss the salty sea air or the waves of the Atlantic. In fact, on a warm, sunny day, the water at Avalanche Lake rivals anything you’ll see in the Caribbean. Hike the beautiful Avalanche Lake Trail and see for yourself.
To reach Avalanche Lake, you’ll hike the beautiful Trail of the Cedars at Glacier National Park.
Simeon Doyen / alltrails.com The trail is about 5 1/2 miles in its entirety, but it’s not overly challenging.
You’ll start south of the Avalanche Gorge Footbridge on the Trail of Cedars, crossing boardwalks and foot bridges along the way.
Kymberly Lockard / alltrails.com You’ll enjoy a gradual climb through old growth cedars and hemlock forest along a flowing river.
After completing a couple of miles, you’ll get your first glimpse of the lake in the distance.
Lisa McKenney / alltrails.com The vibrant color will make it stand out.
Avalanche Lake sits at the base of Bearhat Mountain, which rises about 4800 feet above the lake.
Joey Skinner / alltrails.com If you look at the other mountains surrounding the lake, you’ll notice a few small waterfalls plunging downward.
The water is so clear and pure, it sometimes looks like the crystal blue waters of our ocean beaches.
Lele Chen / alltrails.com Of course, born-and-raised Montanans will take a lakseshore over an ocean beach any day.
Pack a picnic and allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy this natural wonder.
Mike Schauff / alltrails.com This is a popular trail at Glacier, but if you leave early in the day, you should beat the crowds, even in the summertime.
This part of the park was named by Dr. Lyman Sperry, saw and heard multiple avalanches while exploring the area in 1895.
Kenneth Honeycutt / alltrails.com The avalanches helped create today’s landscapes – but these days, it’s nice and quiet.
The Avalanche Lake Trail is, without a doubt, extremely rewarding. But if you’re looking for a Glacier National Park hike that’s a little shorter, check out Running Eagle Falls.
Simeon Doyen / alltrails.com
The trail is about 5 1/2 miles in its entirety, but it’s not overly challenging.
Kymberly Lockard / alltrails.com
You’ll enjoy a gradual climb through old growth cedars and hemlock forest along a flowing river.
Lisa McKenney / alltrails.com
The vibrant color will make it stand out.
Joey Skinner / alltrails.com
If you look at the other mountains surrounding the lake, you’ll notice a few small waterfalls plunging downward.
Lele Chen / alltrails.com
Of course, born-and-raised Montanans will take a lakseshore over an ocean beach any day.
Mike Schauff / alltrails.com
This is a popular trail at Glacier, but if you leave early in the day, you should beat the crowds, even in the summertime.
Kenneth Honeycutt / alltrails.com
The avalanches helped create today’s landscapes – but these days, it’s nice and quiet.
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