Wanderbrush

For our third day in Glacier National Park, we set out on the Iceberg Lake Trail in the Many Glacier area. This was our second big hike of the trip, and it struck the perfect balance—challenging enough to feel rewarding, yet manageable in both length and elevation gain.

The trail leads to a breathtaking alpine lake famous for its floating icebergs, which linger year-round thanks to the limited sunlight and consistently cold water. With fewer hikers compared to other popular routes, Iceberg Lake is also a prime spot for wildlife sightings—grizzly bears included!

We began our hike at sunrise, eager to make the most of the day. Because of ongoing construction in the Many Glacier area in 2025, the usual 9.6-mile trek stretched closer to 12 miles, requiring an extra mile just to reach the trailhead. Starting early gave us plenty of time to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.

An alternate trail guided us to the official Iceberg Lake trailhead, and as soon as we began ascending, the scenery opened up. Towering, glacial-carved peaks surrounded us, and the valleys below glowed as the morning sun spilled across them. It was a stunning contrast to the views we’d taken in just a couple of days earlier at Grinnell Glacier—this time from the opposite side of the valley.

The hike up to Iceberg Lake was long but steady, with a gradual incline that made it feel more approachable than many of Glacier’s notoriously strenuous trails. After tackling the demanding Grinnell Glacier earlier in the trip, this route felt like a welcome reprieve—still adventurous, but far less punishing.

As the trail wound into a shaded forest, we were treated to the sight and sound of a beautiful waterfall cascading beside us at Ptarmagin Falls. We saw a couple hikers on the way back stop at this spot for a quick snack break. The waterfall in the woods creates a little oasis to relax and reflect.

A few miles before reaching the lake, the path also intersected with the Ptarmigan Tunnel trail, offering hikers the option to branch off toward another remarkable destination. There was also a stop for pit toilets soon before this point of the trail.

Before long, the outline of Iceberg Lake began to reveal itself, carved into the mountainside ahead. Up to this point, we had only crossed paths with a single couple hiking ahead of us, which made it feel as though we had the entire wilderness to ourselves—a rare and peaceful gift in such a popular park.

About a quarter mile from the lake, the trail leveled out, guiding us across sparkling streams and through stands of towering pines. The scenery framed our final approach perfectly, leading us toward the serene, picture-postcard view of Iceberg Lake.

As we reached the lakeshore, we greeted the couple already there, who excitedly told us about grizzly bears spotted across the water. Sure enough, we soon caught sight of a mother bear with her two cubs about 200 feet away, ambling along the shore before making their way up the mountainside. This was an incredible site to witness the beauty of these animals.

Since they were moving away, we felt no concern about an encounter, but we kept our bear spray close and maintained a safe distance—always mindful that this is their home, and we are simply visitors in their living room.

If we had even arrived 10 minutes later, the bears would have been gone. We were so thankful to be able to witness these bears in the peaceful morning solitude at the lake.

After this exciting, and safe, wildlife encounter, we took our time soaking in the views of Iceberg Lake. The color and size of this lake was stunning, and it was the perfect stop for a snack and rest break.

No one in our group dared the cold plunge challenge of this lake, but we did wade our feet in the frigid waters. The lake it heavily shaded by the mountain, so the cold temperatures are well maintained even in the summer. Where the sun hit the water, the lake acted as a mirror with the reflections of the mountains that surrounded us.

We lingered at the lake for about 45 minutes, taking time to refuel, snap photos, and simply soak in the breathtaking scenery. As more hikers began to arrive along the shore, we decided it was the perfect moment to begin our trek back down the trail.

The descent was just as rewarding as the climb. Sweeping mountain views unfolded before us, and we paused often to capture them in photos. Wildflowers were in full bloom, painting the landscape with bursts of color that slowed our pace as we admired the vibrant display of nature all around us.

From start to finish, the Iceberg Lake Trail delivers unforgettable views and experiences. We made it back to the Many Glacier Hotel around 1 p.m., where the rest of the afternoon was spent reliving the highlights of the hike and sharing stories from the day. Later, we chatted with a park ranger about our bear encounter, and he captivated us with a wealth of facts and anecdotes collected over his remarkable 40-year career in Glacier National Park.

If you’re seeking a moderate hike that avoids the crowds yet still delivers spectacular scenery, Iceberg Lake is an absolute must. Should we be fortunate enough to return to Glacier, this trail would undoubtedly be at the very top of our list to experience again.