Glacier National Park Avalanche Lake Hike with Kids

Worried the Avalanche Lake hike in Glacier might be too much for your kids? Don’t worry—I’ve been there too! This 6-mile round-trip trail may sound overwhelming, especially with kids in tow, but it’s a rewarding hike for families who love a bit of adventure and grit.

When planning our family vacation in Glacier for July I knew there was a lot to consider – where to stay, how to get vehicle reservations, and what hikes to choose. Over and over Avalanche Lake popped up on my radar, but I was nervous about bringing my kids (ages 5, 8, and 10 at the time) who are decent hikers, but usually max out at 3 or so miles.

Maybe you have the same concern – is Avalanche Lake kid-friendly? You might have younger kids who tire quickly or don’t love hiking in general. Or perhaps your time in the park is limited and you’re not sure it’s worth the several-hour commitment. Whatever your concerns, I’ve got your back.

While I highly recommend this hike to those visiting Glacier, I also think it isn’t for everyone. With the round trip length hitting about 6 miles, it might be too long and strenuous for some, but those who have the drive and stamina will most likely find the time, effort, and discipline well worth it. It was one of the best parts of our three days in the park, and it very well may be the highlight of your trip!

By the end of this post, you’ll know whether Avalanche Lake is right for your family, and how to prepare if you decide to tackle it.

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Avalanche Lake Basics

Time of Day

While the actual lake will be stunning any time of day, you want to consider the lighting for photos, amount of crowds, and timing for the rest of your day.

Our biggest concern was parking and our energy levels, so we chose to hike first thing in the morning and snagged a great parking spot at the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area between 7:00 and 7:30 am.

Another recommended option is to hike in the late afternoon – after 3:00 or 4:00 pm. Crowds should be thinning and if you time it right, you might be able to be at the lake as the sun is starting to set.

We opted for the morning over the evening because we knew this would be a tough hike for us and wanted to have the power to complete it.

Time of Year

The Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trailheads are accessible from Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is only open to vehicles at certain times of the year. Therefore, the recommended time to hike is between June and September, although you are likely able to access the trail starting in May through mid-October.

As one of the most popular trails in the park, you are likely to encounter lots of fellow hikers, even if visiting in the shoulder season (before Memorial Day and after Labor Day).

Glacier is also very active with wildlife during the summer months, so always be prepared with bear spray and know how to use it. When we were hiking, several returning hikers let us know there had been bear activity near the lake, but the animal had left before we arrived. While that was disappointing for some, I was relieved!

Getting to the Avalanche Lake Trailhead

Driving to Avalanche Lake

Parking seems to be the biggest stressor when it comes to planning an Avalanche Lake hike. While we were lucky enough to get a close parking spot at the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area, there are several small lots along the road that don’t add too much hiking time.

When parking, make sure it is an actual spot and don’t block the road or other cars. No one wants to be the person everyone else is mad at.

If you can’t find a spot and have the flexibility, consider heading up Going-to-the-Sun Road for a few hours and returning later. The Hidden Lake Overlook trail is a great option that starts from the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

If you can’t find parking at Logan Pass (another popular location), drive another 20 minutes to the east and stop at the Sun Point Nature Trail. There was ample parking in the middle of the day when we visited, and there is a short and sweet trail to an incredible lookout over St. Mary Lake. You can also extend your hike several miles and visit three different waterfalls, including Virginia Falls and St. Mary Falls.

Taking the Glacier Shuttle to the Trailhead

To avoid stressing about finding a parking spot, consider taking the free Glacier Park Shuttle. From July through mid-September you can travel the length of Going-to-the-Sun Road without having to navigate the sometimes stressful road. While my husband felt completely confident driving our minivan along the sheer cliffs, I was definitely nervous and don’t think I could have been the driver.

Shuttles depart from the Apgar Visitor Center in the west and St. Mary Visitor Center in the east, with transfer stops at Avalanche Creek, Logan Pass, and Sun Point. We liked having the flexibility of a car, but taking the shuttle can be a lot less stressful, especially if you have some wiggle room in your timing. They are also a simple and inexpensive solution if you are unable to get a vehicle reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Biking along Going-to-the-Sun Road

A third option is to bike to the trailhead from Apgar or Lake McDonald prior to the road being opened. While you can bike it with some timing restrictions once the road has fully opened, spring biking can be a special experience when cyclists can use the whole road while it is restricted from vehicle use.

Be sure to consult the official Glacier site for the most up-to-date information on biking in the park.

Camping at Avalanche Lake

The aptly named Avalanche Campground is in easy walking distance to the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake hikes, and can be a great option for staying in the park. While you can reserve ahead of time at recreation.gov, there are limited spots and the campground is only open July 22 – September 22 in 2025. If you’re able to snag a spot, you will have great access to not just this hike, but the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road!

What to Expect

Once you’ve made it to the trailhead (congratulations!), it’s time to start hiking. Here’s what to expect along one of the best hikes for kids in Glacier.

Getting Started

Be sure to use the bathroom at the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area prior to starting your hike – the next one isn’t until you are almost to the lake…and it’s not a luxury stop by any means.

Also make sure you have plenty of water, snacks, bear spray, and layers for your hike. Slather on the sunscreen, grab the bug spray just in case, and head out!

Trail of Cedars

The Trail of Cedars is a flat, shaded loop through towering ancient trees—a perfect warm-up for your kids before tackling the real hike. It is also a great option if you decide the entire Avalanche Lake Trail is not a good fit.

It is located across the road from the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area and there should be plenty of signage to help you find the trail. If not, ask someone nearby because there will certainly be plenty of other people looking to hike as well.

I recommend starting to the left/traveling clockwise to start and enjoying the calm start to your long hike.

Because it is mostly a boardwalk and flat dirt trail, it can be relatively easy to navigate with a stroller, and little ones can independently hike as well. My biggest warning is to keep them close because there is lots of rushing water in the area and little ones are not always aware of the danger.

The entire loop is just under one mile, and there is a bathroom on the western/southern end of the loop – near the end of the trail if you hike it clockwise. If you didn’t get a chance to use the bathroom at the parking area, consider starting the hike counterclockwise so you can make a stop before continuing on to Avalanche Lake.

Branching off

About halfway through the Trail of the Cedars (approximately half a mile), you will have the chance to branch off onto the Avalanche Lake Trail. You will need to do some steady climbing uphill, but it is manageable. You will be steadily gaining in elevation most of the trek to the lake, but for the most part, it isn’t too steep or overwhelming.

The hike is incredibly beautiful, and the landscape changes over time to keep surprising you. Don’t be so focused on getting to your destination that you don’t pay attention to everything around you. Conversely, don’t spend so much time taking pictures that you burn out too early!

Younger kids might start to tire, but a few snack breaks and some fun games along the trail can help keep their energy up. We read out loud from this Would You Rather? book and even fellow hikers would join in with their opinion. It helped keep us distracted when we were losing steam.

Reaching the Lake

While our kids were content with skipping rocks and enjoying the view, yours might want to take a dip or wade around. Make sure to pack an extra pair of clothes if you have water babies, and consider having them hiking in a good pair of hiking sandals if they tend to get their feet wet. The water will be very cold, so it isn’t recommended for swimming.

There are some places to sit along the water, and it’s a great time to have a rewarding snack. My favorites: Sour Patch Watermelons, Sweet Tarts Ropes, and Peanut M&M’s…it doesn’t get better than that!

You worked so hard to get here, and still have more work ahead of you. Make sure to enjoy the picture-perfect views – and take lots of pictures yourself. This can also be a great time to whip out your Junior Ranger books and have a quiet moment to complete a page or two.

Coming Back

This was the hardest part of the hike for us. While it was mostly downhill, we were all pretty beat and didn’t have the motivation we had on the way up to the lake. There was increased complaining, increased carrying of the five-year-old, and increased requests for breaks.

But the only way to get back to the car and rest was to keep going. By this point they were over the Would You Rather? questions and I was a little tired of trying to motivate them.

And yet, I will still say it was worth it. The complaining is natural and can be a great learning experience. Be prepared to validate their feelings, acknowledge that what they are doing is indeed difficult, and encourage them to keep going.

Once we reached the car, their attitudes changed drastically. They were still tired, but knowing they were done did wonders for their mental state. 😜

While at first they begged to go back to camp and just hang out (which wasn’t an option), they got some needed downtime in the car as we drove to our next destination – Sun Point via Going-to-the-Sun Road. Surprisingly, they bounced back after the rest and we were able to tackle the Sun Point Nature Trail (very easy), as well as Hidden Lake Overlook (not as easy).

Was it a perfect hike? No, but I would do it again in a heartbeat and I know that the experience was one that we will not forget quickly.

Avalanche Lake Packing List

This will not be a quick out and back, and you don’t want to be caught dehydrated, without snacks, or unprepared for the weather. Here are some recommended items to ensure a smooth and safe hike:

Before heading out, I recommend checking AllTrails and reading recent reviews to better understand current trail conditions.

• Bear Spray – Essential for peace of mind, even if you hope never to use it. Familiarize yourself with how to use bear spray properly before hitting the trail.
  
• Daypack – We love this pack when we have to pack light, and this backpack has been perfect for my 5th grader to bring to school, as well as hiking. If you’re looking for something more durable or need more storage, check out my top backpacks for travel.
  
• Water – Staying hydrated is crucial, especially since Glacier’s trails can be at higher altitudes. Even on cool days, you’ll need plenty of water. A hydration backpack is super convenient and ensures easy access to water as you hike. Kids also think it’s pretty fun, so it’s a great way to keep them hydrated!
  
• Snacks – Having snacks is non-negotiable when hiking with kids. They keep energy levels up, fend off hunger, and can be used as a fun incentive to keep going.
  
• Hat – Bring a sun hat to protect yourself from the sun or the cold.
  
• Sunglasses – Whether it’s sunny or overcast, sunglasses can improve your comfort and visibility on the trail.
  
• Binoculars – These can be a hit with kids! We enjoyed using ours to keep the kids entertained along the trail.
  
• Jacket – Weather in Glacier can be unpredictable. Even if the day starts warm, pack a lightweight jacket to be prepared for any sudden temperature drops or wind. If rain is in the forecast, opt for a warmer, waterproof jacket or poncho.
  
• Trail Games or Riddles – Bringing a riddle or joke book can keep kids entertained and motivated during the hike.

Conclusion

You know your kids best. While the hike is long for little ones, it is not particularly difficult or technical and is worth every step. However, if it’s not the right fit for you there is so much to see and do in Glacier. If hiking isn’t your style, but you still want to have a fun adventure, consider a kayak trip on Lake McDonald or enjoy the much shorter, but still incredible Sun Point Nature Trail. Glacier is one of my very favorite national parks, and I hope it can become one of yours too!

Happy Travels!

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