Iceberg Lake from Many Glacier

The walk starts at the Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn cabins in Many Glacier; the route starts from the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot. A short, steep connector climbs to the Ptarmigan Trail, which runs northwest across open slopes and through forest to Ptarmigan Falls. Beyond the falls, the Iceberg Lake Trail turns west beneath the Ptarmigan Wall, crosses Iceberg Creek and wildflower meadows, and reaches Iceberg Lake, under cliffs some 3,000 feet high. Return the same way.

It is 10.1 miles (16.2 km) round trip with 1,250 feet (382 m) of climbing; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate: a long walk, but on a steady, gentle grade.

This is prime grizzly country, and bears are often seen on the open slopes near the start: carry bear spray, hike in a group and make noise. The park closes Many Glacier trails for bear activity at short notice, so check the trail status before you go. The lake gets little sun, and ice and snow can stay on it well into summer.

Many Glacier Road usually stays open until the third weekend in November, weather permitting.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.