Hiking the Iceberg Lake Trail in Glacier National Park
Distance: 9.6 miles / 15.4 km
Elevation Gain: ~1,200 ft. / 366 m
The Iceberg Lake Trail in Glacier National Park is a fairly moderate out-and-back day hike to the beautiful turquoise-blue waters of Iceberg Lake, located at the base of a former glacier beneath the towering cliffs of Mt. Wilbur.
That being said, the Iceberg Lake Trail is the easiest of the three most popular day hikes out of Many Glacier, which include Iceberg Lake, Cracker Lake, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail, with Grinnell Glacier being the most challenging of the three.
In any case, the Iceberg Lake Trail is typically the least crowded of these three, making it a perfect adventure for those interested in exploring a less busy trail in an otherwise very popular district of Glacier National Park.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Iceberg Lake Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Iceberg Lake Trail is located at the very end of Many Glacier Road, in the joint Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead parking lot.
Space is very limited at the official Iceberg Trailhead; therefore, cars typically spill over into the Swiftcurrent Trailhead/ Motor Inn parking lot.
Google Maps Directions: Iceberg Lake Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Glacier
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Glacier National Park.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Iceberg Lake Trail
Swiftcurrent Pass-Iceberg/ Ptarmigan Junction
Immediately after beginning the hike, the Iceberg Lake Trail splits with the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail.
Go right to stay on the Iceberg Lake Trail.
Then, go left again to keep on the shortest route.
First Iceberg Lake-Ptarmigan Junction
At the third junction, go left to continue hiking toward Iceberg Lake and the Ptarmigan Tunnel.
Personally, I like to hike the Iceberg Lake Trail first thing in the morning because the mountain side on the right side of this photo helps block the sun and keep the hike cool during the first few hours of the day.
As the Iceberg Lake Trail contours the hillside, you’ll get a pretty good idea of where the trail is heading because of these wide-open views between the forested sections.
During earlier times of the summer, small streams like this will be running with much more snowmelt than what’s flowing here in mid-August.
My Lynx Encounter
I then had the wildlife encounter of a lifetime, and I think it’s a shame that I have to cover the photo up with all these watermarks. However, if you’re interested in purchasing the high-resolution print, please click on the photo.
So here’s story.
I was mid-trail, and a couple was hiking about 30 seconds in front of me. I then stopped to take a picture for this article and was quiet on the trail for maybe five seconds.
Then, right as I started to walk again, this Canadian Lynx jumped out from the hillside of the trail right in front of me, and we nearly collided. My forward movement and its jump put us within two feet of each other!
I immediately flinched back and yelled something out, thinking it was a bobcat! I continued to think it was a bobcat until I brought the photos into the Many Glacier Ranger Station, where they got out a wildlife book, and we confirmed it was a lynx!
After the lynx jumped out, it landed on the trail and scurried off into the bushes to the left of the trail, which is what you’re seeing in this photo here.
I was extremely shocked, and I honestly didn’t know if I was safe for about a minute. However, the lynx didn’t flinch, it didn’t move, and it just kept starring at me for about five minutes total, which is exactly how I was able to capture this photo.
The lynx literally gave me enough time to take off my pack, switch lenses, and play around with different shots through the trees!
This was quite literally the wildlife encounter of a lifetime, and I think the only thing more rare in North America would have been a wolverine encounter.
Overall, I believe that the lynx was never jumping at me, but rather onto the trail, as it thought that no one else was there. I never knew it was there, and it never knew I was there.
My Print - Canadian Lynx
Second Iceberg Lake-Ptarmigan Junction
After the beginning few junctions, the most significant split in the trail is the Ptarmigan Junction, which leads to Ptarmigan Lake and Tunnel, with Elizabeth and Helen Lake on the far side.
You may notice these red American Mountain-ash berries along the trail, and while they are considered edible, I have read that they are not very good to eat raw.
Iceberg Lake Trail
Additional Early Season Gear
Depending on the winter snowpack, micro-spikes may be necessary as the trail reaches the upper elevations of the hike.
Additionally, snow tends to linger for longer in the shady, forested sections shown earlier, which may make micro-spikes necessary for an early season adventure.
I personally use the Yaktrax below.
As the trail nears Iceberg Lake, you will likely notice a small tarn off the trail that the Park Service is working to keep hikers out.
Please don’t leave the trail, as Iceberg Lake itself is much more stunning, which is only a few minutes ahead from this restoration area.
Iceberg Lake
At the end of the trail, the beautiful blue waters of Iceberg Lake are surrounded by the towering peaks of Mt. Wilbur to the left and Iceberg Peak directly behind the lake.
If you’re interested in jumping in, the easiest deep jumping point is off to the left from where the trail initially ends.
Know that Iceberg Lake can look drastically different from what you see in this mid-August photo, as the lake can quite literally have icebergs floating well into the summer, depending on the snow year.
Warning
Afternoon thunderstorms in high Mountain West areas, such as this, are a serious concern during the summer monsoon season.
Even if the weather forecast doesn’t predict any storms, I can tell you from personal experience that they may show up out of nowhere and can put you and your entire group in a very dangerous situation.
I say this to emphasize the importance of turning around at the first sign of lightning, thunder, or even heavy cloud buildup. However, if you ever get caught in a storm unsuspectingly, follow the steps linked below to reduce the risk of getting struck.
U.S. Forest Service: Lightning Safety Tips
More Glacier Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Glacier National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Always be mindful that Glacier National Park and the surrounding area is Grizzly Bear country. Therefore, you need to be hiking with bear spray and know how to react in the event of a Black or Brizzly Bear encounter.
Aside from wildlife, Glacier National Park, like any area in the Mountain West, is known for its violent afternoon thunderstorms, which are more typical in the warmer summer months than other times of the year.
That said, it’s important to check the local forecast before setting off on any adventure, as lightning strikes are not uncommon in and near mountain ranges across the West. I have personally been knocked to the ground by a strike that hit near me in the past, and I confidently say that it’s an experience you don’t want to live through. This is why I highly recommend checking Mountain Forecast for any high-elevation adventures you may be interested in—especially when climbing a summit.
Finally, know that when micro-spikes are necessary for an early-season adventure, micro-spikes are never supposed to be a substitute for conditions that require crampons.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Glacier National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
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