Iceberg Lake Hike: A Must-Do Trail in Glacier National Park

The Iceberg Lake Trail is one of Glacier National Park’s most breathtaking hikes, leading to a stunning alpine lake with floating icebergs, surrounded by towering cliffs. Located in the Many Glacier region, this moderately challenging trail is a must for anyone looking to experience the park’s dramatic mountain scenery.

The Iceberg Lake Trail is one of Glacier National Park’s most stunning hikes, offering breathtaking alpine scenery, abundant wildlife, and the unforgettable sight of icebergs floating in a glacial lake.

This 9.7-mile round-trip trail gains about 1,200 feet in elevation, making it a moderately challenging yet highly rewarding trek.

Starting behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in the Many Glacier area, the trail gradually ascends through open meadows, dense forests, and rocky alpine terrain. Along the way, hikers are treated to spectacular views of towering peaks, including Mount Grinnell, Mount Wilbur, and the jagged Ptarmigan Wall.

Finally, the trail reaches Iceberg Lake, a jaw-dropping glacial basin surrounded by sheer cliffs. Even in mid-summer, floating icebergs remain in the lake, creating a surreal and unforgettable scene. Many hikers choose to take a (very cold!) dip in the icy, turquoise-colored water before making their way back down.

While the nearly 10-mile round-trip distance is long, the trail is not technical, making it manageable for beginners with persistence. The incline is mostly gradual, with only a few steeper sections. Just be sure to allow plenty of time to complete the hike at a comfortable pace.

Many Glacier is prime grizzly bear habitat, so hikers should remain alert and carry bear spray. The Iceberg Lake Trail and Ptarmigan Trail are particularly well-known for grizzly activity, as these areas are rich in huckleberries, a favorite food source for bears. Another hotspot for sightings is just behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, where the Iceberg Lake hike begins.

Best times to hike the Iceberg Lake Trail

The best time to hike to Iceberg Lake is from mid-July to early October when the trail is mostly free of snow and the lake is at its most scenic. No matter when you go, be prepared for sudden weather changes—Glacier National Park is known for unpredictable conditions, and temperatures can drop quickly.

Summer (July–August) – This is the prime hiking season in Glacier National Park. By mid-July, most of the snow has melted, wildflowers are in full bloom, and the iconic icebergs floating in the lake are typically at their peak. However, this is also the busiest time, so expect crowds and arrive early to secure parking at the trailhead.

Early Fall (September–Early October) – Fewer visitors make this a great time to enjoy a quieter experience on the trail. The weather is often still pleasant, and fall colors begin to emerge. However, the icebergs in the lake will have mostly melted, and the chance of early-season snowfall increases as October approaches.

Spring and Early Summer (June–Early July) – While the trail technically opens earlier in the season, snow and ice can linger well into July, making the hike more challenging. The lake itself may still be frozen in early summer, and trail conditions can be muddy. Always check Glacier National Park’s trail status reports before heading out

How to hike the Iceberg Lake Trail

Begin your hike to Iceberg Lake at the Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead, located behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in Many Glacier. The first 2.7 miles of the trail are shared with the Ptarmigan Trail. Ambitious hikers often combine both trails into one epic day hike, first trekking to Ptarmigan Tunnel before continuing to Iceberg Lake.

We only hiked to Iceberg Lake because at the time, it hadn’t occured to us to do both in one trip, but had someone given us the suggestion, we would have done just that.

So, if you’re looking to maximize your hiking adventure and don’t mind a challenge, consider combining these two incredible hikes into one. The total distance for both trails is 14.8 miles round trip, making for a long but rewarding day hike in Glacier National Park. If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to fit in as many hikes as possible during your visit!

The first section of the Iceberg Lake Trail is nothing short of spectacular, winding through open terrain with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. This stretch begins with a steady climb, the effort is well worth it—the higher you go, the more breathtaking the scenery becomes. Take your time to pause along the way and soak in the stunning alpine landscape.

Some of the notable mountains you’ll spot early in the hike include Mount Grinnell (8,851 feet) and Swiftcurrent Mountain (8,436 feet) to the southwest. Looking west, you’ll see the towering Mount Wilbur (9,321 feet), while to the northwest, the jagged Ptarmigan Wall dominates the skyline.

As the trail continues, it eventually leads into dense forest, where the mountain and valley views fade away. Around 2.5 miles into the hike, you’ll reach a small clearing with a partial view of Ptarmigan Falls.

Ptarmigan Falls has a series of cascades and at least one drop of over 30 feet (9.1m) as it descends downstream. Unfortunately, due to the dense forest surrounding the area, it’s difficult to see the entire waterfall, but you can still catch glimpses of the rushing water through the trees.

The good news is you can visit the upper section of the waterfall, where you’ll find a rocky area full of small pools. These pools are worth exploring as they are filled with beautifully colored stones.

It’s a great spot to pause, take in the scenery, and enjoy a short break before continuing toward Iceberg Lake. If you’re hiking in the heat of summer, this shaded section offers a refreshing place to cool off.

This is a popular spot for a quick snack break, but if you’re planning to have lunch on the trail, you may want to save it for Iceberg Lake where the views are truly unbeatable.

After crossing a footbridge over Ptarmigan Creek, you’ll reach the junction for Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Trail. Here, the Ptarmigan Trail veers right, leading hikers toward Ptarmigan Lake and eventually Ptarmigan Tunnel. To continue to Iceberg Lake, stay straight on the main trail.

Not long after passing the junction, the trail emerges from the forest, opening up to spectacular views of the towering cirque that cradles Iceberg Lake. From this point, the path becomes noticeably narrower, winding its way toward the dramatic glacial basin ahead.

As you continue on the hiking trail, you’ll soon find yourself traveling beneath the imposing Ptarmigan Wall, a striking ridge with jagged, shark-tooth-like peaks.

This dramatic formation is an arête—a narrow, knife-edge ridge that once separated two glaciers. A similar arête in the park is Garden Wall, which can be seen from the Going-to-the-Sun Road and Highline Trail.

As you hike beside the Ptarmigan Wall, you’ll travel through an enchanting alpine meadow dotted with colorful wildflowers. Soon, you’ll cross a footbridge over Iceberg Creek and continue through the meadow. Along the way, you will catch occasional glimpses of Iceberg Lake’s sparkling aquamarine waters peeking through the shrubs.

When the meadow ends, Iceberg Lake comes into full view, nestled beneath towering, steep rock walls. The lake’s vibrant teal waters are so striking, they almost seem too vivid to be real—it’s truly an unforgettable sight!

Without a doubt, the Iceberg Lake hike is one of Glacier National Park’s top trails, and the lake itself more than lives up to its reputation as one of the park’s most breathtaking sights.

Because the Iceberg Lake Trail is a popular hike in Glacier National Park, you’ll likely see many hikers at the end of the trail, taking in the magnificent scenery.

Hopefully, you’ve allowed yourself plenty of time to do the same—plan to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes soaking in the views.

If you’re brave enough, a plunge into the lake’s frigid waters is a tempting challenge (and a great photo opportunity!). If you’re up for it, don’t forget to bring your swimwear—it’s a bucket-list experience you won’t forget!

Since we started our hike a little late in the morning, we didn’t reach Iceberg Lake until late in the afternoon. By the time we reached the lake, there was only a handful of hikers at the end of the trail, and it wasn’t long after our arrival that they all left!

While it was a really cool experience to have the stunning scenery entirely to ourselves, it was also very unsettling. Knowing that a grizzly bear could be lurking nearby, and the constant thought of something dreadful happening with noone there to help, made it difficult to relax.

So we finished our lunch quickly, took a few awesome photos, then started on our descent back down. The sun was already beginning to set, and while we are more than comfortable hiking in the dark elsewhere, doing so in Glacier National Park—home to grizzlies and dense, remote terrain—felt far less safe 😬

The Iceberg Lake Trail is particularly well-known for grizzly bear activity, thanks to the abundance of huckleberry patches along the route—so we were eager to get through those sections as quickly as possible.

While we don’t typically blast music while hiking, this was an exception. Thankfully, we had packed our JBL Bluetooth speaker. We cranked the volume and sang loudly the entire way back 🤣 Fortunately, we made it to our campervan just before nightfall.

Tips for hiking the Iceberg Lake Trail

• Start Early – The Iceberg Lake Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park, so setting out early helps you beat the crowds and increases your chances of spotting wildlife along the way.

• Dress in Layers – Weather in Glacier National Park can be unpredictable. Mornings may be chilly, but temperatures can rise quickly as the day goes on. Bring layers because you never know what could happen.

• Pack the Essentials – Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a flashlight. It’s always best to be prepared in Glacier Country!

• Be Bear Aware – The Many Glacier area is prime grizzly bear habitat. Always carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife. It’s also best to hike in a group if possible.

Are there bears on the Iceberg Lake Trail?

The Many Glacier area is prime grizzly bear habitat, and sightings here are common. Every time we visit this side of the park, we spot several grizzlies along Many Glacier Road, often wandering near Lake Sherburne or high on the rocky slopes across the lake.

The Iceberg Lake Trail and Ptarmigan Trail are particularly well-known for grizzly activity, as these areas are rich in huckleberries, a favorite food source for bears. Another hotspot for sightings is just behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, where the Iceberg Lake hike begins.

During a visit in summer 2021, grizzly activity at the Many Glacier Campground was so intense that park rangers evacuated all campers from the campground!

During that summer, we had several anxiety-inducing bear encounters, including a close call on the Grinnell Glacier Trail. Fortunately we have had no encounters on the Iceberg Lake Trail thus far, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t there.

Because Many Glacier has a high grizzly population, hiking trails are frequently closed due to bear activity. Always check trail status with a ranger or online before heading out.

For safety, carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, and if possible, hike in a group of three or more to reduce the risk of a bear encounter.

Where is the Iceberg Lake Trailhead?

The Iceberg Lake Trailhead is located in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park in Montana. The hike begins behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, a well-known lodging and dining spot in the park. There is a designated parking area near the inn, but spaces can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.

The trailhead is easy to find—look for signs pointing toward the Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Tunnel trails, as they share the same starting point before splitting off a few miles in. Many Glacier is accessible via Many Glacier Road, a scenic but sometimes rough drive off U.S. Highway 89 near the town of Babb.

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