Avalanche Trail

Right after starting on the Gunsight Pass trail, the Avalanche Trail breaks off to the left, around a series of horse corrals. This trail parallels the Going-to-the-Sun Road amongst an incredible Pacific rainforest of cedar and hemlock. The dark canopy looms tall overhead while little feeder streams flow over moss. The forest is airy and open. While the road is nearby, you still have the feeling of being out in the wilderness. Along the way, old, concrete posts denote telephone lines laid down many years ago, giving you a glimpse of the past.

After a little over 5.5 miles, the quiet trail intersects the popular Avalanche Lake trail and the crowds of Glacier National Park.

This trail is nice to travel in early spring before the high country opens up, and is also a cool trip on hot summer days.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

The occasional deer and squirrel is seen. It can be a little quiet for other animals compared to other areas of Glacier. Early season brings trillium and calypso orchids. Moss is beautiful amongst the cedar and hemlock.