Avalanche Lake Trail

The opening half mile follows the wheelchair-accessible Trail of the Cedars nature trail through forest and along a boardwalk, with Avalanche Gorge as an early stop. The gorge is worth a pause: Avalanche Creek is squeezed between rock walls, and the maintained boardwalk and bridges give you the safest view. The rocks beside the water can be slick, so stay on the built path. The lake route branches from the cedar loop. Beyond that turn, the accessible stretch ends; the lake hike is not wheelchair accessible end to end.

Past the cedar loop, the path becomes narrower and rougher, with roots and rocks underfoot and a steady climb beside Avalanche Creek. This part feels much more like a mountain hike than the gentle boardwalk you started on. Around 1.4 miles beyond the junction, Hidden Creek comes down a side canyon and joins Avalanche Creek. It drains from the Hidden Lake area, so the confluence links two of the park’s better-known watersheds. Take a moment to notice the tributary and the change in the valley; it is easy to focus on the main trail and walk right past it.

As you near Avalanche Lake, the trees thin and the view opens onto a basin below steep cliffs. Several waterfalls spill down the high slopes toward the lake, and a pit toilet sits just before the shore. The trail continues along the lakeside toward its far end, giving you changing views of the water and cliffs. If you want the classic basin view, stop where the whole lake and its waterfalls fit together; walking farther along shore adds distance before the return. When the surface is still, include a little water in the frame so it can reflect the cliffs and falls.

The trailhead shares its access and parking with Avalanche Picnic Area, Avalanche Campground, and Trail of the Cedars on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Parking gets busy on summer days, so an early start can make the visit easier. The road has a seasonal opening and closure; check current park road and trail conditions before driving out. Pets are not allowed. The first half mile is the accessible option; the climb and uneven trail beyond it are for hikers continuing to the lake.