- Iceberg Lake is a beloved Glacier Park day hike destination, featuring vivid aqua-colored water surrounded by steep, impending cliffs.
- Accessible by a fairly gentle 4.8 mile (one-way) trail.
- A remnant of past glaciers, Iceberg Lake is a perfect place to relax, picnic, and capture photos of wildlife, wildflowers, and thrilling scenery.
Overview
Aptly named, Iceberg Lake is a glacial remnant located in a “cirque” - a deep basin encompassed by steep mountain faces – with snowfields dotted around the slopes. Due to its relatively short and gentle access trail, Iceberg Lake is one of Glacier National Park's family-friendly destinations.
Location
Accessible only by trail, Iceberg Lake is located in the Many Glacier area.
- Trailhead: Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead
- Distance: 4.8 miles (one-way)
- Ascent: 1200 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Estimated Time: 6-7 hours (roundtrip)
Season
Most accessible from late May to mid September.
Activities
Photo Opportunities: Iceberg Lake is Montana scenery at its finest.
- Wildlife: Spot a mountain goat on a rocky peak, or the occasional grizzly bear on the lower slopes. (Always be bear aware!)
- Wildflowers: Iceberg Lake is a Glacier Park hotspot for lush carpets of summer wildflowers. Beargrass blooms are particularly stunning at the lake and along the trail.
- The Lake: Capture an image of a large ice chunk floating in the vibrant turquoise water. Dip in a toe but be careful, water here is extremely cold!
Picnic: Eat a packed lunch in this striking and peaceful setting.
Guided Hike: Guided hikes are available to Iceberg Lake.
- When: Offered 5 days/week
- Where: Meet at Swiftcurrent Motor Lodge
- Departure Time: Generally 8:30 am
- Distance: 10 miles (round trip)
- Time: 6-7 hours
Additional Information
Iceberg Lake is an extremely popular day hike destination. Be prepared for many travelers lakeside and on the trail.
