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Iceberg Lake is a great day hike in Many Glacier that offers killer views of the Many Glacier Valley, a peek at the Ptarmigan Waterfall, and a chance to swim in a lake full of icebergs.
The icebergs in Iceberg Lake are not actually present year-round. However, we’re here to say, that even without icebergs floating in Iceberg Lake, it’s still a great hike!
Iceberg Lake Trail Map | Glacier National Park
Trail Stats for Iceberg Lake Hike in Many Glacier
Trailhead Location | Iceberg / Ptarmigan Trailhead | 48.79967, -113.679
Hiking Distance | 9.6 miles total
Hiking Style | out and back
Elevation Gain | 1,765 feet
Trail Difficulty | strenuous (very challenging)
Iceberg Lake Trail Highlights
- Awesome views of the valley + surrounding peaks
- Chance to swim with icebergs
- Beautiful open scenery throughout
- Bear and mountain goat sightings
- Gradual elevation increase, so easier hike even with the gain
- Less popular trail than Grinnell Glacier Hike
The Iceberg Lake Hike
Iceberg Lake and Grinnell Glacier are the two most popular Many Glacier day hikes. The first part of the hike to Iceberg Lake is the steepest section, quickly getting hikers above the tree line and into epic views.
After the steep, yet short climb, the trail gradually gains elevation as you follow the mountainside into the nook that Ptarmigan Falls hides.
Along this trail, pay you have the chance to see bears! We even saw a nice big pile of bear poop right on the path!
And, if you pay attention to the cliffs and along the rocks above you, you’ll likely spot some mountain goats too!
Ptarmigan Falls doesn’t have the greatest viewpoint of the falls themselves, but it’s a great place to sit and have a snack or lunch on your way up the trail. Just before Ptarmigan Falls is where you’ll find a spur trail to the right leading to a pit toilet!
About a minute’s walk past the bridge over Ptarmigan Falls, you’ll find the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail to the right. This is an obvious turn off the Iceberg Lake Trail and is labeled. Continue straight on the Iceberg Lake Trail unless you plan to visit Ptarmigan Lake or Ptarmigan Tunnel as well.
From Ptarmigan Falls, you cross a bridge and continue along the edge of the mountain, gradually gaining more elevation, and really getting into a tight-knit view of the valley. This is definitely the best part of the trail to Iceberg Lake.
As you skirt along the mountainside, to the left, you’ll see a circular mountain cove, this is where Iceberg Lake hides. Watch for more wildlife in this section, as it seemed like a perfect bear habitat. And, be sure to take in the views of waterfalls and back down into the main valley of Many Glacier.
Hiking across the valley, you’ll know you’re getting closer to Iceberg Lake because the waterfalls and creek are getting closer and closer. Crossing the creek, the trail leads up above the creek to a small, yet beautiful lake, and then up some stairs further until you hike right into Iceberg Lake.
It’s worth noting, the creek crossing usually has a bridge, however, in late September, the bridge is removed for the season. The crossing is doable without getting wet if there’s not too much water rushing down. Watch for both slippery rocks and rocks that aren’t actually that sturdy here.
Reaching the lake, don’t be disappointed if there aren’t icebergs in the lake. This only happens at certain times of the year, and the hike and lake are both beautiful even without icebergs floating around.
In fact, this hike reminded us both a lot of hiking in the Dolomites or the Sawtooth Mountains with how pretty the lake setting is.
Swimming in Iceberg Lake
If the weather allows, swimming in Iceberg Lake is a treat! Yes, it’s freezing cold water, literally coming off of glaciers and snow melt, but it’s exhilarating!
I actually jumped in twice, once by myself, and a second time after talking Jay into jumping in with me. The coldness of the water will take your breath away, but it will also leave you feeling so rejuvenated and refreshed!
There’s an entire science behind getting into freezing cold water, and all the research leads to health benefits on so many different levels!
Be sure to check the water for depth and hidden rocks before jumping in, and don’t go too far in the lake, as it really is freezing cold water, and your body can freeze up, causing you to not be able to swim back to shore.
Actual Icebergs in Iceberg Lake
When we hiked to Iceberg Lake in early October, there were no icebergs present in the lake. You could see remnants of snow and remains of the old glaciers in the area (most of which are melted away now), but no actual icebergs in the lake.
We’ve read it’s rare for no icebergs to be in the lake at all since the lake sits in the shadows of Mount Wilbur. Don’t worry though, even without icebergs in the lake, the lake is still freezing cold and absolutely gorgeous!
Top Five Tips For Hiking to Iceberg Lake
- Add in the short hike to Fishercap Lake before you hit the trail. This will be a good warm-up for your legs before the instant elevation gain. Fishercap Lake is known for moose sightings, read more about it here.
- Camp in the area to avoid the parking chaos! We loved both the times we stayed at Many Glacier Campground! The views are great, and it’s a beautiful place to be in the early morning light!
- Have your bear spray easily accessible. We’ve seen people carry it on the back of their backpacks. DO NOT DO THIS! If you encounter a situation with a bear where you need your bear spray, those extra seconds of having to take off your pack to grab the spray could be the difference in life or death.
- Bring a sunhat! While parts of the trail to Iceberg Lake are shaded, it’s mostly exposed leaving you to cook in the sun while you hike!
- Visit outside of the high-season. Late-September through mid-October was a great time to be in the park to avoid the crowds, timed vehicle entry, and see the gorgeous fall foliage!
Iceberg Lake Hike FAQs
How long is the hike to Iceberg Lake?
The one-way distance to Iceberg Lake is 4.8 miles. On average, it takes about three hours to get up to the lake. We recommend allowing 6-7 hours total for this hike. That includes stopping time and swimming/spending time at the lake itself.
Where is the Iceberg Lake Trailhead?
While you can park at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and start at the trailhead to Swiftcurrent Pass, that’s not the actual trailhead. Instead, the trailhead is tucked behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and there is limited parking available at that exact location.
What part of Glacier National Park is the Iceberg Lake trail?
The Many Glacier area is home to the Iceberg Lake trail in Glacier National Park.
What do I need to pack for hiking to Iceberg Lake?
While we didn’t see any bears on the Iceberg Lake trail, we did see bear poop. Like any hike in Glacier National Park, bear spray is an absolute must. You never know when you’ll encounter a bear on the trail.
We also recommend bringing food, water, a warm coat, and sun protection.
Can my dog hike with me to Iceberg Lake?
No. Dogs are not permitted on any trail in Glacier National Park. It’s for not only your dog’s safety but for the safety of you and others on the trail. Leave your pup in a well-ventilated car, or look into the doggy daycare places in the area.
Columbia Falls has the closest doggy daycare. Find them here.
Alternatively, if you really want to bring your dog, but don’t have a well-ventilated car, check out renting a campervan or RV with RV share. It’s a great way to get awesome prices on rigs!
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Getting to Iceberg Lake Trailhead
We hiked to Iceberg Lake from the Many Glacier Campground, starting out at Swiftcurrent Pass. Although, the actual trailhead is tucked behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and is labeled, Iceberg/Ptarmigan Trailhead on the map.
This trailhead has very limited parking, so you may want to snag a parking spot in the large Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking. From there, jump on the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail, in the back right corner of the parking lot as you drive in, and then follow the sign to Iceberg Lake Trailhead. This will lead you on a connecting path to a road, where you turn left, and, shortly after you’ll see the trailhead.
Iceberg Lake Trailhead is located in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. To get into the park, you will need a national park pass. The national parks pass can be purchased at the entrance of Many Glacier, or in advance here.
During the high season, you’ll also need a timed entry permit to get into the Many Glacier area. More on that below.
It’s worth noting, that part of the road from Babb, into the national park is a dirt road. While it’s a maintained dirt road, the washboarding that occurs happens fast and it’s bad. Take the road slow and steady, and follow the 25 mph speed limit so you don’t damage the road further for other travelers.
Timed Entry to Many Glacier in Glacier National Park
In 2023, the park service rolled out a pilot program with a timed entry vehicle registration to mitigate the masses of people causing traffic jams in the park. This being a pilot program means that there is no guarantee the timed entry will occur in years to come.
However, they did just announce some sort of vehicle registration/timed entry will be in effect in 2024 in Glacier National Park.
But we want to pass on the information we learned about. The timed entry only occurs during the high season in Glacier. If visiting after mid-September, you will not have to worry about the timed entry permits. Likewise, if you visit before 6:00 am or after 3:00 pm, you do not have to have a timed entry permit.
Again, these rules were in place for the 2023 season, and are projected to be in place in 2024 too. Check the Glacier National Park website for the most up-to-date information on the timed vehicle entry here.
Accommodation and Camping Near Many Glacier Area
Camping in Many Glacier Area
The Many Glacier Campground is the only option in the area. This campground is on a reservation-only basis, which changes depending on the time of year. In the summer months, reservations open up SIX months in advance, and you’re limited to 14 days total of reservations within the entire park.
Many Glacier Campground is a fully functioning campground for most of the summer, however, come mid-September (the shoulder season), it switches to primitive camping.
During the primitive camping season, mid-September through October 31st, there is a smaller amount of sites available, no running water, and only ONE toilet for the entire campground.
With that said, it’s only 10 USD a night, and is still a great place to stay!
During the primitive season, reservations open up on rec.gov one day in advance at 8 AM Mountain Time, and are reservable up to three nights at a time.
Book your stay at Many Glacier Campground here.
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Hotels in Many Glacier Area
Staying in the national park is a real treat. There are two hotel stays available from mid-June to mid-September.
The Many Glacier Hotel | The views from this hotel are unmatched. The price per night certainly reflects the amazing views you get, but shoot… if you’re willing, this is definitely going the extra mile with your stay.
The Swiftcurrent Motor Inn | Coming in at nearly half the price of the Many Glacier Hotel, the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn offers a more affordable stay for those looking to stay in a hotel in the Many Glacier area.
Outside of the accommodation within the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park, you can find the closest accommodation out of the park in the town of Babb or St. Mary. Check for accommodation in Babb, Montana (closest option) or St. Mary, Montana (more options) below.
Heading to Glacier National Park this year? Save this post and don’t forget about the Iceberg Lake Trail!
