Pros & cons
PROS
- Easy, flat access to a quiet backcountry-feeling lake right off the road
- Designated lakeside backcountry campsites make a low-effort backpacking base
CONS
- Mosquito-heavy in early summer
- Views can be limited by brush and downed trees along the shore
- Loop variation can be muddy with wobbly log crossings
Signed Ice Lake pullout on Norris–Canyon Road between Norris Junction and Canyon Village. For the loop, the Wolf Lake pullout is about 0.25 mile away along the road.
Active bear country—carry bear spray and follow food storage rules. Early season bugs, soggy meadows, and log crossings on the loop. Old burn with standing snags; avoid in strong winds. No pets on trails.
Overview
Ice Lake Trail is a short, easy outing to a peaceful, pine-rimmed lake just off the Norris–Canyon Road. It’s about 1.0 mile total (out-and-back) with essentially no elevation to speak of, making it a great leg-stretcher or kid-friendly walk. Expect a mellow forest path that pops you onto the lake’s western shore.
Some hikers find Ice Lake itself underwhelming because shoreline brush and downed trees can limit views. If you have time, the better play is to fold this stop into the loop that visits Little Gibbon Falls—still easy, but with more variety and scenery.
Route Choices
- Core hike: From the signed Ice Lake trailhead, the mostly level singletrack leads through lodgepole forest to the lake’s west shore and nearby designated backcountry campsites; return the same way (1.0 mile total).
- Add-on loop: Link Ice Lake with Little Gibbon Falls via the Wolf Lake/Howard Eaton Trail for roughly 3.9 miles total and about 249 feet of gain. Expect soggy meadows, muddy stretches, and a couple of log crossings. If you only have one car, plan a short roadside walk between the Ice Lake and Wolf Lake pullouts (about a quarter mile).
What You’ll See
It’s a quiet, reflective lake with birdlife—Canada geese and ducks are common—and a tranquil forest vibe. The loop variation adds a waterfall viewpoint and sections through old burn with stark standing snags and regrowth.
Wildlife, Bears, and Fishing
Bears frequent this area—carry bear spray, make noise, and give wildlife space. In fall you may hear elk bugling, and wolves are occasionally heard in the broader area. Anglers report lake trout in Ice Lake; permits are required, and backcountry food storage rules apply.
Best Time to Hike
Late spring through early fall is typical. Early mornings are your best bet for solitude and calm water. Mosquitoes can be intense in June and early July—bring repellent. Expect wet or muddy patches early season; waterproof footwear helps. September brings comfortable daytime highs but cold nights, so pack layers if you’re camping.
Regulations and Logistics
No pets on trails. Day hiking requires no permit; overnight stays are allowed only at designated backcountry sites and require a permit. Campfires are limited to established fire rings at those sites, and all food must be stored properly. Stay on established trails; don’t attempt unsafe log crossings.
Bottom Line
As a standalone, Ice Lake is a pleasant but modest destination. It shines as a quick, flat nature break—or as the first chapter of a bigger, still-easy loop that adds Little Gibbon Falls and more diverse scenery.
Where it starts
44.7169, -110.6340Wildlife on this trail
Near Ice Lake Trail
All places →All trails →
0.4 mi awayIce LakeShort forest stroll to a quiet lakeshore and waterfall add-onTrailhead
0.4 mi awayWolf Lake TrailQuiet forest-and-falls hike to a marshy, wildlife-rich lakeModerate · 7.1 mi · 2.8 hr
0.7 mi awayVirginia CascadesShort scenic drive to a 60-foot cascade with a mellow picnic spotPullout · Parking
1.7 mi awayNorris MeadowsSimple meadow picnic stop with tables, grates, and a vault toiletPicnic Table · Restroom
2.7 mi awayEmerald SpringA vivid emerald pool on the Norris Back Basin boardwalkScenic Viewpoint · Geyser
3.2 mi awaySolfatara CreekQuiet creek and meadow walk with thermal side trips, some powerlinesModerate · 13 mi · 4.9 hr
3.5 mi awayNorris Geyser Basin Porcelain Basin LoopShort, sizzling boardwalk through a white, hissing geyser basinEasy · 1.1 mi · 30 min
3.5 mi awayNorris Geyser Basin Back Basin LoopWooded boardwalk past Steamboat and vivid pools in the hottest basinEasy · 1.5 mi · 40 min
