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Iceberg Lake

Browning, Montana

4.9/5
based on 13 reviews

Details

Distance

9.7 miles

Elevation Gain

1200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Conor Barry

Enjoy insanely rugged views like never before that feel well-earned on the trail to Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park. Once you make it to the lake, you'll be rewarded with spectacular scenery-- you'll want to get the camera ready!

The 9.7-mile out-and-back trail starts in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park, near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. The trailhead is easy to find at the northwest corner of the Inn area and the trail is well marked the whole way. The trail heads northwest almost the entire time except for the last mile or so that opens up out of the woods and curves west, southwest. From here you will be able to see where the lake sits at the bottom of a massive cliff face. The trail gradually gains 1,200' of elevation to the lake, making this one of the easier hikes in GNP. Sure, it's long but it hikes fast and you'll be there before you know it.

Remember all your bear safety as you travel through this area. It is prime territory for Grizzly bears. Carry bear spray and make enough noise that you won't startle any bears.

Head back the same way you came and stop at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn for some Huckleberry ice cream. You've earned it.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Iceberg Lake Reviews

Explorer

07/19/16

This hike was my favorite day-hike in Glacier. The trail was not tough and the end view was incredibly rewarding! I'd recommend budgeting plenty of time to just hang out and soak in the views while at the lake.

We didn't get on the trail until 2pm. It was a little chilly and breezy but we warmed up soon. Almost all the elevation gain on this hike seems to be within the first 2 miles. About a quarter to half-mile in, we spotted a young grizzly bear on the trail. It was probably about a year old. We were 20 yards away at most! After make a lot of noise and being patient, it wandered off the side of the trail. This is an excellent hike overall. My only "complaint" is that it is a very busy trail.

Explorer

07/08/16

Easily one of my favorite hikes anywhere in the US. I went during summer of 2015 when the wildflowers were all in bloom. The views along the entire hike are documentary-worthy. I'd recommend making your way there soon as the glaciers are quickly melting all throughout Glacier National Park. Even though that's the case, and if you do go in summer, bring a light jacket. It gets surprisingly cold at Iceberg Lake. I didn't have the guts to jump in the water like many others, so I used the opportunity to chill my camelbak instead. I'd also recommend trying to lock down a room at Many Glacier Hotel. Not only does it make reaching that side of the park and trailhead easier the place itself is worth the money.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Glacier's North Circle Route (North East Section)

Ptarmigan Falls

Ptarmigan Tunnel

Ptarmigan Lake Trail

Swiftcurrent Lookout

Redrock Falls