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Avalanche Lake Hike
Pricing
All Ages!
Description
Guided Avalanche Lake Educational Day Hike in Glacier National Park
Duration
- Full Day: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (8 hours)
- Time on Trail: Approximately 3–4 hours
- Total Distance: ~6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 730 feet
Location / Where to Meet
Ages & Requirements
- Recommended for ages 10 and up
- Moderate difficulty due to elevation gain, roots, rocks, and some uneven terrain
- Participants should be comfortable hiking several miles at a steady pace
- Group maximum: 13 hikers
- Group minimum: 3 hikers
What’s Included
- Professional hiking guide
- Educational interpretation focused on geology, ecology, and forest systems
- Small group experience
- On-site parking at the meeting location
- Shuttle from the meeting location in Columbia Falls to the trailhead
Not Included
- Trail lunch, snacks, or water (lunch is available as an add-on)
- Glacier National Park vehicle entrance pass (required and must be purchased in advance)
- Transportation to and from the meeting location
- Gratuities (optional)
What to Bring / Wear
- Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy hiking shoes
- Day pack with liner or rain cover
- At least 1–2 liters of water
- Trail lunch and snacks
- Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants
- Warm layers (weather can change quickly)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Camera (optional)
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Binoculars and field guides (optional)
- Field notebook for notes or sketches (optional)
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Glacier Institute
FAQs
Can I order lunch in advance?
Yes. Guests have the option to add a trail lunch at checkout for themselves and/or their group. Lunch options include turkey pesto, deli beef, caprese, and vegan falafel selections, with gluten-free options available. Trail lunches are designed to be easy to carry and enjoy on the trail during your hike.
What does the difficulty rating mean?
We rate Hiking Difficulty from Easy to Strenuous, with the below types of hikes.
Easy. A leisurely walk totaling no more than 3 miles throughout the day. Minimal elevation change, less than 1000 feet.
Moderate. A hike on consistent trail conditions with no more than 8 miles throughout the day. Total elevation change, less than 2,000 feet.
Strenuous. A hike on variable trail conditions totaling more than 8 miles throughout the day. Total elevation change, greater than 2,000 feet.
What if there is an unexpected trail closure?
We will do our best to take you on the trail that you booked. However, Glacier National Park does occasionally close trails for a variety of reasons from weather, trail conditions, wildlife, or fires. In the case of trail closure, we will find another suitable location for your program to occur.
Is a park entrance pass required?
Yes. Each participant must have a Glacier National Park vehicle pass, which should be purchased in advance at recreation.gov.
What wildlife might I see on the hike?
The hike passes through old-growth forest and along Avalanche Creek, so you may spot local birds, deer, and other small wildlife. The natural landscape also highlights glacial boulders, avalanche paths, and other geological features.
Is this an interpretive educational hike?
Absolutely. Your guide provides interpretation on the geology and ecology of the landscape.
Primary Educational Theme: The old-growth forest isn’t just a collection of big trees—it exists because of the geology beneath it. In turn, the forest influences water, soil, and the entire ecosystem. Avalanche Lake is the perfect example of how ancient rock + glacial carving + centuries-old trees continuously shape a living landscape that is always changing.
What happens if the minimum number of participants isn’t met?
A minimum of 3 participants is required for the program. If the number isn’t met, guests are notified in advance and offered an alternative date or a full refund.
Cancellation Policy
The Glacier Institute will give a full refund if the cancelation is 7 days prior to the program. Customers can cancel bookings online.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
7450 Highway 2 East
Columbia Falls, MT, 59912
US
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