Iceberg Lake: A Complete Guide to This Epic Trail

Iceberg Lake rightfully gets its name from the large icebergs that float around the lake as the warm weather thaws the winter snow and glacier. Iceberg Perk towers 3,000 feet above the lake, making for an epic sight to see. The trail is full of wildflowers and wildlife, making it an amazing experience.

Being able to experience the beauty of the trail, it’s wildlife and icebergs floating in Iceberg Lake is an experience I hope everyone gets to have. Below I’ll share everything you need to know about the trail and how to hike it.

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Things to Know About Hiking Iceberg Lake

• Glacier National Park is bear country. It has grizzlies and black bears. You should always carry bear spray and know what to do in a bear encounter. There were multiple bear sighting on trail the day I hiked to Iceberg Lake, so expect to see one. Moose, rams and various ground mammals are also present around the lakes. Never touch, feed or approach wildlife! Give them plenty of space and allow them to move off trail if they are on trail. They are wild and will attack if they feel uncomfortable. Give wildlife a minimum of 25 yards and predators 100 yards of space. You can learn more about bear encounters through my guide, here, or through the national park’s site, here.

• It may be warm out while you’re hiking to Iceberg Lake, but once you reach the lake be prepared to be cold. The wind blowing off the lake is rather chilly from the cold water and snow surrounding it. I hiked in and it was easily in the low 70’s by the time I reached the lake and as soon as I got the the water’s edge it became extremely cold and I had to put on my layers. I actually wished I had packed even warmer layers.

• Dogs are not allowed on the trails within Glacier National Park. They must remain on paved trails or campgrounds. If you have a furry friend, you’re best off leaving them at home for a trip to this national park.

• Glacier National Pack is an extremely popular and busy park. There are constant closures, various permits and areas of the park to explore. It can be overwhelming planning a trip to the park with how much information there is. Be sure to check out my “Everything You Need to Know” guide before to help you plan out your trip. It’ll cover everything you need to know from shuttles, to food storage and safety, how to get permits and where to stay.

• You do not need a permit to hike to Iceberg Lake, but you do need a National Park Pass to enter the park. You can purchase passes at the park’s entrance stations. A seasonal pass for $80, which lets you go to any park within a year, or if this is you only park to visit during the year you can to a week pass for $35. You can also purchase a pass in advance at stores like REI or online, here. It is best to purchase ahead of time to save time waiting in lines and to get into the park easier.

• The beginning of the trail was lined with huckleberries bushes! This explains why it can also have a lot of bear activity. I even saw one on the way out munching on some berries just off trail. If you love huckleberries like me, you can munch on them along the way if they are ripe or pack a container to pick some for later.

• Every year will bring about a different experience on this trail. The icebergs can be almost melted in June or still floating in August. Unfortunately there’s no way to predict too far in advance. I went mid-August and the lake was still full of icebergs. It had been a heavy snow year and the trails opened late. This meant the snow stuck around longer. If it’s a low snow year the lake may melt sooner in the season. If you really want to see the lake full of its famous icebergs, try and have flexibility on when you go. You’ll want to watch the weather throughout the winter and spring and even call the park for updates. If you have a set time you can go, that’s okay too! Just know every year will be different.

Leave No Trace Principles

Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Always check for current weather updates and educate yourself on trail conditions prior to starting a hike. Look for recent reviews or call the local ranger station for up-to-date trail information like closures, recent wildlife and road conditions. 

• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Avoid going off trail unless it’s to go to the bathroom. You can capture amazing photos from the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. Stepping off trail can cause years of damage with just one simple step. Camp in exciting campsites rather than over vegetation.  

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Never toss food items on the ground. It is harmful to the wildlife. Properly dispose of human waste by digging a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and burying human waste. Bring a wag back to pack it out in fragile alpine terrain. Never leave toilet paper or feminine hygiene products behind. Being a bag and pack them out to dispose of properly. Same goes for dog poop. Properly burry it or pack it back out to dispose of. Do not leave dog poop bags on the side of the trail. They are easy to forget, animals can get into them and other hikers don’t want to see them. 

• Leave What You Find: Do not take objects like plant off trail with you. Preserve nature by not marking on rocks or harming any natural objects. Never pick wildflowers. It is illegal in many states. 

• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Check and follow all local wildfire regulations. Use exciting fire rings and keep fires small. Put fires out properly by dousing will multiple gallons of water. Coals should be cool to the touch before walking away. 

• Respect Wildlife: Never touch, feed or approach wildlife. Give a minimum of 25 yards to all wildlife and a minimum or 100 yard for predators and larger wildlife. Wildlife are not like house pets. They can spook easily or feel threatened. Stay in your car if wildlife is near the road.

• Be Considerate of Others : Respect other hikers by allowing those that hike faster to pass. Uphill hikers have the right of way, so safely step aside for them to pass, unless they offer to stop first. Limit noise and use headphones. Keep groups under 8. Say hello to a fellow hiker!

Iceberg Lake Trail Location

Iceberg Lake trailhead is located in the east side of the park within the Many Glaciers area. The trailhead starts just after the Inn and store, on the right. There is a small parking lot with only 10-15 spots and it will fill up quickly. If you are staying at the Many Glaciers campground you can walk from your campsite to the trailhead. Go early, before or as close to sunrise or be prepared to wait for a parking spot to open up.

Best Time of Year to Hike Iceberg Lake

The trail to Iceberg Lake is closed in winter and spring months. The best time of year to go is summer through fall, although every year will be different. The trail doesn’t open until it is clear of snow to travel on. One year this could be in June, the next August. If you’re flexible and can go last minute, you can go once the trail opens. If you’re trying to plan in advance, I’d suggest late summer or fall to be sure you don’t miss this hike due to closure.

Iceberg Lake Trail Info

The trailhead is located behind the Inn, but you may need to walk to the trailhead if the parking lot is full already. The trail begins climbing immediately through the forest. You’ll go from forest to open meadow areas multiple times. The huckleberries are located on a long meadow stretch along the hillside. You’ll be able to see the hills towering above and the canyon below through here with views of Iceberg Peak in the distance.

Roughly 2.5 miles into the trail there is a vaulted out toilet on the right. This is a great place to stop and use the restroom on the way out and in so you don’t have to go at the lake. Just after the pit toilet you’ll see Ptarmigan Falls to the left. You’ll walk past the falls where you will cross over the river just above the falls. A lot of people stopped here to rest and enjoy the water but please do not get too close to the falls.

Shortly after crossing the falls the trail splits. Going to the right takes hikers to Ptarmigan Tunnel. Stay to the left to continue to Iceburg Lake. From here the trail continues to climb through the forest. Once you pop out into the meadow area, the trail becomes a more gradual climb. It is such a beautiful stretch of trail. You’ll have views of the mountain peaks surrounding Iceberg Lake ahead and wildflowers surrounding the trail. Keep your eyes open because I saw a moose munching on a tree through here!

As you approach Iceberg Lake, there is a stream crossing with a walkable wood bridge. The closer you get, the better the wildflower meadows become! Finally, the trail will turn around a corner and you will suddenly have your first views of the lake and it’s icebergs below which is an exciting sight! Follow the trail down to the lake and explore the shoreline, but be sure to stay on trail. Do no walk through the meadows to create a new trail. Help protect this beautiful alpine lake and it’s surrounding vegetation. Stepping on vegetation and off trail is extremely harmful.

What to Bring Hiking to Iceberg Lake

The 10 Essentials

No matter the length of difficulty of a hike, you should always carry a backpack with the 10 essentials. You can learn more about these item in my “The 10 Essentials” guide. This hike is a more difficult hike and if there were an emergency and you had to get help on trail you will want to have these items on hand. In addition, you can always help a fellow hiker in need.

Backpack

Every person hiking should always have their own backpack with water and supplies. Never rely on someone else to carry your gear because if there is an emergency everyone should be individually prepared. I like to use one between 25-28L so I have plenty of room for food and layers. I have the Gregory Jade 28 and the REI Trail 25.

Clothing Layers

It’s important to pack plenty of layers, especially for alpine terrain hiking. The weather can change quickly and if you hike in the fall, it can go from cold to warm in hours. I like to bring a down coat and rain coat with me so I know I’ll be comfortable if the weather turns. I also bring a long sleeve shirt to wear over a tank top. It can be used as a sun shirt for protection or a warm layer. Having layers on this hike is a must with how cold the lake gets as well.

Water and Electrolytes

It’s so important to stay hydrated hiking, no matter the time of the year. Plan to have one liter of water per 2 hours of hiking. There are a few streams you can filter water at if you bring a filter, but plan to pack plenty of water. I also bring electrolyte snacks on every hike I go on. I like using my bladder to make sure I’m consuming enough water since it’s easier to drink from. A large water bottle is a great option if you don’t like bladders. I always carry my water filter with me so I can resupply my water as needed. 

Hiking Shoes

Always wear proper shoes when hiking. This means trail runners or hiking boots because they will provide the best traction over rocks and loose terrain. Sandals and tennis shoes are not great footwear for the trail. This trail can be wet and rocks will be slick. Waterproof shoes are best if the trail is wet.

Technology

If you have the means, it’s so important to carry a satellite communications device with you into the backcountry. This will allow you to get ahold of emergency services should you need it but also communicate with friends or family off trail. I also use a Garmin watch to track mileage and elevation on the trail so I can properly determine where I am on the hike. If you start early to beat the crowds, you’ll need a headlamp.

Bug Spray

Hiking to an alpine lake always comes with mosquitoes. Hiking in the fall will reduce how many mosquitoes are at the lake, but there is always a mosquito presence, so go prepared. Carry bug spray for your clothes and skin. If it’s early in the summer season, consider extra clothing layers to keep them off your skin and a bug net for you head. The snowfields are also a breeding ground for them. You can learn more about insect repellents and gear in my guide, here. I hiked mid-August and had zero issues with bugs thankfully, but every year will be different.

Bear Protection

There are bears in the area so you must go prepared to possibly encounter one. There were multiple bear sightings on this trail when I hiked it, including a grizzly with cubs. The trail has a lot of huckleberry bushes along the trail, which is a popular food choice for bears. Carry bear spray and use a holster to attach it someplace where it’s easily accessible. Many people opt to bring bells to help make their presence known on the trail.

Reminders

• Be bear aware. You will most likely come across a bear hiking in Glacier National Park. Know what to do in an encounter and keep bear spray quickly accessible on you. Give all wildlife a minimum of 25 yards and predators 100 yards of space. You can learn more about bear encounters through my guide, here, or through the national park’s site, here.

• Stick to the trail! Do not cut switchbacks or walk through fragile alpine terrain meadows. Every step off trail causes irreparable damage that can take years to recover from. Brown spots in meadows is consequently caused from people stepping off trail. If there isn’t already a trail, you shouldn’t be walking over it.

• Pack layers and know it will be cold at the lake. If you are someone who likes to cold plunge, please know the risks of getting in an alpine lake this cold. Hypothermia can kick in quickly and anyone that has to try to rescue you is out in danger as well.

• Know that trails in Glacier National Park can close for many reasons, at anytime of year. You can plan ahead but being flexible is key to having a good experience. If this trail happens to be closed, do not go hiking on the trail. Respect the closures. Find another amazing trail to explore and hopefully you can come back another time to hike to Iceberg Lake. Be sure to check below for other amazing hikes within the park.

I hope this guide helps you with your adventure to Iceberg Lake! If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!

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Other Alpine Lake Hikes in Glacier National Park

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