You must watch out for bears and take bear spray and bells. The scenery along the way is absolutely beautiful - lots of wildflowers, and we also saw chipmunks, ground squirrels and a variety of birds. We started off with the ranger led hike, but the going was very slow so about 1 mile in we went off alone. The trail we took begins at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and you can choose to do a ranger led hike or go solo. It's only about 200 yards (Just like when you went up), but it is a workout for bad knees or, in my wife's case, replacement knees.
Be ready for the downhill at the end of the hike. He looked about the same, and apparently fared just fine. We saw him again at the lake, and later on the trail down. There was one notably overweight man huffing, puffing and sweating on the way up, and I figures he'd pack it in around mile 2. It is a great sight, and the 9-mile roundtrip is easier than you might think. It gets busiest around lunch, but there is plenty of lakeshore to go around, and most people stay for less than an hour. It isn't necessary to go early to get some measure of privacy as you enjoy the lake. Short of iceberg walking, at least step into the water.
#Iceberg lake trail mt full#
The lake was, as advertised, FULL of icebergs, to the extent that the intrepid, like me, could easily step aboard one - The really daring ones waded out to clamber aboard larger icebergs. When we got to Iceberg Lake, we got to watch a large mountain goat on the seemingly sheer rock face above the lake, throughout our stay. Your main milepost comes at 2.1 miles into the hike, when there is a sign near the waterfall. Apparently, this trail is so A+ for griz that it experiences fairly frequent, temporary closures. If they are close enough to harm you, or for you to annoy them, and the NPS is aware of it, they close the area). Apparently, they wished to be near the trail before our hike, and the next day when the trail was closed due to bear activity (The NPS wants you to see bears from a distance.
#Iceberg lake trail mt free#
Keep in mind that the bears do not subscribe to such ratings and are free to roam where they wish. We had no bear sightings, though the trail is rated A+ for griz. The rest of the 5.0 miles is mainly gentle ups and downs (More ups since you have to go up about another 1100'. As available trail guides indicate, the only serious, strenuous climb is in the first 200 yards, so don't get discouraged. The trailhead is behind the Swiftcurrent Inn, in Many Glacier. Every time I go to Glacier, this is one hike I always try to make. My kids were 10 and 12 when they made the hike the first time and it's one they still remember. I made this hike the first time when I was 8 and it left a lifelong impression. I've done this hike as a child, young adult and adult with and without children. Rocks abound for the ever popular rock skipping. Dipping your bare feet in the water for a few minutes will be plenty. The water is very cold, swimming is not an option. Thus, you have floating ice all the time. Because of this wall, a good part of the lake does not get sun. My favorite way to enjoy hike is to go in the morning and arrive at the lake around lunch, find a comfortable spot to enjoy my lunch and chill.Īs for the destination, WOW! The lake sits in a cirque and has the dramatic vertical rise of the mountain wall. The trail is well used, so you have no issues of feeling isolated. This is about a 10 mile round trip hike, but the elevation gain is not severe. It was a memorable experience.Īlthough seasons vary year to year, hiking a couple of weeks later this year would have been even better with the creek bridge installed and snowfields melted. The ambiance was so relaxing and peaceful since everyone respected the stunning ambiance of this setting. Many hikers were having their picnic lunches beside the lake which was still half frozen. The half mile from the creek to the lake were snowfields which were also dodgy to cross.Īrriving at the lake presents a stunning view. In fact it was a bottleneck waiting to cross.
There was a dodgy temporary crossing (fallen trees) that challenged a few folks. The trail was well maintained with scenic views.
Since the gate was still closed, all the hikers were heading to Iceberg Lake.īe sure and turn left at the halfway point to the lake rather than to the Ptarmigan trail. Its a popular hiking trail with lots of hikers since first part of trail is also the way to the Ptarmigan trail and gate. There was a small parking area near the trailhead but full already. Parking was easy near the Swiftcurrent Inn since we were there early driving from St Mary.
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