Glacier (CA) – Avalanche Crest Trail
The Avalanche Crest Trail in Glacier National Park is a steep, single-day hike to the top of Avalanche Crest. It provides splendid views of the valley and Pacific Railway.
Single-day Hike
6.5h
Description
The steep Avalanche Crest Trail in Glacier National Park winds uphill through thick forest. It then opens up to alpine meadows and rocky avalanche territory.
Unfortunately, we had pretty bad weather conditions. In good conditions you will have spectacular views from the top. For example, you will be able to see the original route of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
What to bring
- Bike and Hike essentials
- Bear spray
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather
Tips
- Watch for marmots that live in the avalanche crest. Even in very cloudy weather you can recognize them by their whistling.
- Check the campground near the trailhead for a chalk board detailing bear sightings of the last couple of days. When we were there, there were several sightings per day and on a couple of the trails (and there was also heaps of scat along the trails). Be careful especially in foggy weather, make noise, ideally go in groups of at least 4, and know how to behave should you encounter a bear even though they are mostly harmless.
