One Of Glacier National Park's Prettiest Family-Friendly Trails Boasts A Crystal-Clear Lake

Not every hike is family-friendly. From this social media famous trail in Europe to the Grand Canyon's most dangerous trail, many routes simply aren't suitable for both parents and their kids. If you're traveling with elderly family members or anyone using mobility aids, finding an outdoor experience for everyone gets even more complex. Still, there are options that allow families to witness nature's beauty together. One of these options is Glacier National Park's Avalanche Lake Trail.

Colloquially known as the "Crown of the Continent," Glacier National Park treats visitors to pristine alpine meadows, ephemeral ice formations, and mountainside water features like Avalanche Lake. Hikers can reach those crystal-clear waters via the park's family-friendly Avalanche Lake Trail, a roughly 5-mile round trip route on well-kept pathways that follow Avalanche Creek through an old-growth forest.

Often considered a moderately challenging hike due to steep, craggy patches after the trail's first half mile, the Avalanche Lake route earns its family-friendly title for a few reasons. First, the section between the Avalanche Picnic Area and the end of the Trail of the Cedars is wheelchair-accessible thanks to a wooden boardwalk and paved paths. Off-road wheelchairs may help people with mobility concerns tackle more of the trail. Additionally, some past visitors report that the route is manageable even for young kids and people with ankle or knee issues. Just make sure to wear good hiking boots, bring trekking poles, go at your own pace, and remain aware of your limits, and Glacier National Park's Avalanche Lake Trail can be a fun outing for the whole family.

So, what can you and your family expect on the hike to Avalanche Lake? The journey begins on the Trail of the Cedars, where a boardwalk leads you through an old-growth forest full of towering cedar trees and chirping birds. As this scenic stretch meets up with the main section of Avalanche Lake Trail, walkways transition from boardwalk to well-trodden dirt paths. From here, hikers can either continue on and tackle a moderate trek up to Avalanche Lake or loop around back to the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead.

Sightseers who follow Avalanche Lake Trail further can look forward to a treasure trove of natural beauty, including creekside overlooks flanked by lush green trees and glimpses of spectacularly blue waters carving through truly unique rock formations. Expect to encounter some rocky passages, and come prepared with bear spray just in case any local grizzlies give you trouble. Don't worry too much, though; you're more likely to meet other hikers rather than bears on this popular trail.

After a few hours climbing hundreds of feet in elevation and passing memorable mountain vistas, you'll finally meet Avalanche Lake. Located at an altitude of 3,865 feet, this beauty is surrounded by mountains that funnel melting ice and snow into the lake. Arguably best viewed on clear days when the water reflects the blue skies above, Avalanche Lake is a gorgeous sight that hikers of all ages will love.

Now that you know why Avalanche Lake Trail is worth the trek, it's time to plan your trip. While the trail can be tackled in spring, summer, and fall, many hikers say the journey is best experienced between June and October. If your Avalanche Lake excursion will be just one part of a larger family trip, keep in mind that Glacier is one of the best national parks to visit in August. Make your lodging and Going-to-the-Sun Road reservations with plenty of time to spare, and you can enjoy a picture-perfect (if a bit crowded) park trip.

As far as accommodations go, Avalanche Campground will be the closest to the trail. Winter weather hits this glacier-centric area hard, so the campground only accepts reservations between mid-July and mid-September. Sprague Creek Campground about 7 miles from the trailhead offers more availability throughout the year, but Apgar Campground (roughly 14 miles away) provides even more openings and typically allows camping year-round. Granite Park Chalet is another nearby option for hikers who prefer a little more comfort than a tent allows. For an even cushier stay, branch out to Belton Chalet south of Lake McDonald. The on-site tap room and restaurant will greet you warmly after your Avalanche Lake Trail hike.