Place · 0.1 mi away
Overview
This is the park’s classic short waterfall hike: an easy, family‑friendly out‑and‑back to a 30‑foot cascade on Glacier Creek. From Glacier Gorge Trailhead it’s about 1.6 miles total (round trip) with roughly 200–226 feet of gain. Starting from Bear Lake adds a bit, making it closer to 2.0 miles total. Most hikers spend 45–60 minutes, longer if you linger at the falls.
Route and Scenery
The well‑marked path climbs gently through mixed pine forest and aspen groves—especially lovely in fall—while paralleling Glacier Creek. You’ll pass a rock ledge viewpoint over Glacier Gorge before reaching the falls, where the creek plunges through a narrow granite chute. Broad rock slabs around the falls make inviting perches for a snack or photos. Use care: wet rock can be slick and crowded.
Best Times to Hike
Summer has the most reliable weather and the biggest crowds. If you want elbow room, go early morning or late afternoon, or target weekdays in the fall—especially after Labor Day through mid‑October when the aspens pop. Spring can still be snowy and icy on shaded sections. In winter, the trail remains popular and doable with traction (microspikes or snowshoes) depending on conditions.
Logistics and Access
Two trailheads serve this hike in the Bear Lake Corridor. Glacier Gorge is the shortest route but its small lot often fills before 6 a.m. Bear Lake has more spaces but still fills quickly. A smart move in peak season is to park at the Park & Ride lot by Glacier Basin and use the free shuttle to reach either trailhead. A timed‑entry reservation for the Bear Lake Corridor is required in season (generally 5 a.m.–6 p.m. within the main summer window). The trail starts above 9,000 feet, so take it easy if you’re not acclimated. Cell service is unreliable.
Extend Your Hike
If the falls whet your appetite, continue up‑canyon to some of the park’s best lake destinations: The Loch, Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha, or even Black Lake. Alberta Falls is a perfect warm‑up gateway to those longer, more strenuous routes.
Pros
- Glorious fall color thanks to frequent aspen stands along Glacier Creek
- Easy gateway to classic lake hikes if you decide to keep going
Cons
- Glacier Gorge parking often fills before 6 a.m., even on weekdays
- Slick, crowded rock perches at the falls make photo setups tricky
Parking
Shortest access from Glacier Gorge Trailhead (fills very early). Bear Lake Trailhead offers more spots but also fills quickly. During peak season, park at the Park & Ride near Glacier Basin and take the free shuttle to either trailhead.
Caution
Timed-entry required for the Bear Lake Corridor in peak season; altitude starts over 9,000 ft; slick rocks near the falls; winter and spring bring ice—carry traction as needed; cell service is unreliable.
