Iceberg Lake, Glacier National Park

Figure 1. Iceberg Lake, Glacier National Park.

Although visitors can enjoy spectacular scenery from Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, many scenic views can only be appreciated by hiking a trail. Among these, Iceberg Lake is one of the best.

The trailhead to Iceberg Lake is at the parking lots at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn near Many Glacier Hotel. The round trip is 10 miles, but it is not that difficult as it looks. For most parts of the trail, the grade is gentle, except for the first half a mile. If you join a ranger-led hike, it would be easier as the ranger will stop at many places along the way to interpret and rest.

The lake lives up to its name as there is usually plenty of icebergs on the lake in summer. Some icebergs may be very close to the shore and some hikers like to climb on it. Some even try to swim in the lake, though they can't last long. This is not the place to enjoy solitude as it is one of the most popular trails in the park. You, however, can enjoy the cheerful atmosphere and maybe have lunch here.

This is also good grizzly bear habitat as huckleberry is plentiful along the trail. So this trail could be closed because of this. Check the trail information and be prepared for this before you go.