5 Essential Easy Hikes in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is full of easy hikes. If you're looking for scenery without suffering, you’re in the right place. Come on a hike with us for 5 easy trails in Glacier National Park that are beautiful and perfect for first-time visitors, families, or anyone who wants big rewards with low effort. To watch the video version of this blog clear here otherwise let’s get started below with the easiest hike on the list.

How Long Does it Take to Hike the Trail of The Cedars in Glacier National Park?

Trail of the Cedars winds through towering, ancient cedar trees that form a shady, peaceful canopy like stepping into another world. But did you know this hike is handicap accessible? The trail was built with strollers and wheelchairs in mind. Trail of the Cedars is a loop trail about 1 mile long with hardly any elevation gain. You’ll hear the soft rush of Avalanche Creek before you even see it. When you reach Avalanche Gorge, the water is a shockingly bright blue, carving through mossy rock walls like something from a fairytale. The whole trail is flat, shaded, and built for strolling not sweating. So, if you are in for a more casual stroll expect 30 minutes or more to do this hike. Whether you're easing into your trip or traveling with kids, it's hard to imagine a more welcoming place to start.

Later we will discuss the best waterfall hike in the park and a trail to a hidden lake high up in the clouds but right now

Is Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park a Hard Hike?

From the boardwalk of Trail of the Cedars, Avalanche Lake trail gently climbs through old-growth forest, following the clear water of Avalanche Creek. Here you will need to ditch the stroller as we get a little more difficult. It’s steady climb but never steep, and every bend reveals something new, a mossy boulder, a peek at the mountains above, or the rush of water from recent snowmelt. This hike is 2.3 miles one way or just over 4.5 miles out and back. The elevation gain is 500 ft and for the longer trek and climb up to the lake this is a little more difficult than Trail of the cedars. But, by the time you reach Avalanche Lake, the view opens up to a dramatic mountain landscape, waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet into turquoise water and worth every step. You can rest up here and know that the hike back to Going to the Sun Road is all downhill.

We have three more to go but are you enjoying this walk and talk format? We share all of our hikes about Glacier and the National Parks in this format. Subscribe today to our youtube channel so when you search for a place we’ve been to our videos show up at the top of your search results. Ok back to our easy hikes and do you wonder

Where is the Best Spot to See Moose In Glacier National Park?

If spotting a moose is high on your Glacier National Park bucket list, there’s one trail that gives you your best shot and it’s easy. Head to Many Glacier and look for the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail, which begins behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. This area is a moose hotspot, thanks to the lush meadows, ponds, and streams that run right alongside the trail. But there is a secret to Fishercap lake that only the moose know. The hike to Redrock Falls is just under 4 miles round-trip, mostly flat, and incredibly scenic. You’ll pass Fishercap Lake early on which is the prime moose viewing spot. Come early in the morning or just before sunset, and you’ll often see them wading in the water grazing on moose salad in the shallows. But, even if the moose are shy that day, Redrock Falls is a worthy reward. From the Swiftcurrent inn the hike to redrock falls is 3.6 miles round trip. The falls cascade over layers of colorful rock, and the surrounding peaks frame the scene perfectly. Plan on about 2-3 hours to hike to redrock falls and a mild elevation gain. But, this hike is special because it hikes by two lakes and great views of Mt Grinnell, Grinnell Point and other adjacent peaks.

Every good hiking video or blog needs a dad joke. Since we hike with our brood here’s a good family joke:

What does the baby computer call his father? Data.

Here are dad joke books for great gifts: Dad Jokes Around the Campfire: https://geni.us/bD0Zua 600 Funniest Dad Jokes: https://geni.us/WHYBfDB To view any product mentioned by us in our videos and blog, click this link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/campbrood As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

We’re going to discuss an easy hike at Logan’s Pass next but let’s continue hiking Swiftcurrent Pass to answer this question

Why Are These Hikes in Glacier National Park Considered Easy?

Glacier National Park is known for its rugged mountains and steep, challenging terrain but as we are showing here not every hike is a thigh-burner. These five hikes are considered “easy” because they meet a few key criteria. First, distance and elevation gain. Most of these hikes are under 4 miles round-trip, with relatively gentle inclines. Like us You won’t find extended climbs or high-altitude switchbacks here. Even Avalanche Lake, which feels more adventurous, gains less than 800 feet spread out over a wide, well-maintained path. Second, trail surface and maintenance. These trails are popular and well-traveled, which means they’re regularly maintained by the park service. You’ll find clear signage, bridges over streams, and compacted dirt or boardwalks rather than loose rock or technical terrain. Trail of the Cedars, for example, is fully accessible and even stroller-friendly. And third, accessibility. These hikes are easy to get to from major areas of the park like Logan Pass, Many Glacier, and Lake McDonald. You don’t need a backcountry permit, special gear, or advanced planning. But what we like about this list is that it shows a variety of the best of Glacier National Park without having to be an athlete to experience it. So when we say these are “easy hikes,” we mean they're great for first-timers, families, or anyone who wants to experience Glacier’s beauty without an all-day commitment or intense climb.

Ok back to the list and If you hike to Red Rock Falls like we did you may also see bears.

But, another place you may see bears and Mountain Goats is at Logan’s Pass. So,

How Long Does it Take to Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park?

The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail starts behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center and quickly leads you into alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, marmots, and maybe even mountain goats. The path is part boardwalk and part gravel, and while it gains in elevation, the grade is gradual and inviting. If you hike earlier in the summer, you may walk across snowfields but they’re usually manageable with careful steps. Plan on 2.7 miles round trip and about an hour hiking this trail. When you arrive at the overlook, the view of Hidden Lake and Bearhat Mountain is absolutely unreal. This is one of the best places in the park to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and other alpine animals up close sometimes on the trail itself. Mountain goats tend to hang out near the overlook as you see here. You may also see marmots sunning on rocks or hear pika calling from the meadows.

Wildlife tends to be most active early and late in the day, especially when crowds thin out.

The best waterfall trail in the park is still to come but

What Gear Do You Need For These Easy Hikes in Glacier National Park?

You might not be climbing a mountain, but even the easiest hikes in Glacier need gear and supplies. Wear trail runners or hiking shoes with grip you’ll encounter roots, rocks, and sometimes snow while on the trails and you need a sure footing. Bring a daypack with water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray, and always dress in layers. The weather can flip fast in Glacier National Park and the ability to change things up will make you more comfortable. But, If you're starting early or finishing late, gloves and a warm layer won’t go unused. We wished we dress warmer for Hidden Lake. Most importantly keep bear spray on your belt or pack strap not in your bag and know how to use it. But we would also recommend a first aid kit just in case someone slips or trips and needs a band aid or other light care. Trekking poles are optional but helpful on downhills or snow patches. While you don’t need a ton of gear, a few smart choices go a long way toward making these easy hikes even better.

Best Day Hiking Map for Glacier: https://geni.us/A6msY

Best Guide Book For Glacier: https://geni.us/BwATRw

For examples of the gear we took on our hike check out these links below for more details.

Teton Sports Hydration Pack Video Review: https://youtu.be/KEBrYwp8RQk

2022 model https://geni.us/8CvKFjt

Camelbak Mini M.U.L.E hydration backpack Video Review for younger hikers: https://youtu.be/WbRgZr6C20g

Amazon Link: https://geni.us/6pYjqVF

Merrell Moab II Men's Hiking Shoes: https://geni.us/FTfvZ

The First Aid Kit we carry: https://geni.us/DlnxOr

Trekking Poles: https://geni.us/67DzA

Tactical Flashlights: https://geni.us/UUjzPJx

Compass: https://geni.us/bFis

Swiss Army Tinker 14 function: https://geni.us/Y7axAhJ

Rescue Rope: https://geni.us/s2fEB  

Why do you want to hike the easy trails in Glacier National Park? Join the conversation and leave a comment today. Our next question takes us to the St Mary section of Glacier National Park. Many first time visitors ask

Where Can You Find the Best Waterfall Hike in Glacier National Park?

Due to the constant melt of snow and glaciers in Glacier National Park there are a lot of waterfalls. But the two most accessible waterfalls happen to be on the same trail. At first glance, this hike might seem simple a waterfall trail off the Going-to-the-Sun Road. But what makes the St. Mary and Virginia Falls hike truly special is the sheer variety of scenery packed into such a short and accessible route. You start by walking through an area scarred by wildfire, where burned trees stand tall like ghostly sentinels. But the trail is alive with wildflowers and new growth proof of how resilient Glacier’s landscape can be. As you descend gently toward St. Mary River you’ll get views of Red Eagle and Little Chief Mountain and glimpses of St Mary Lake. But, your first stop is St. Mary Falls, a powerful double-tiered waterfall that plunges into a striking blue pool. But don’t turn back just a half-mile farther is the real showstopper: Virginia Falls. It’s taller, louder, and often creates a fine mist that cools you down on a hot summer day. The trail is about 3.6 miles round-trip, with a modest elevation gain, making it manageable for most visitors. What makes it truly unforgettable is that in one short hike, you get burnt forest, alpine river, wildflowers, panoramic views and not one but two iconic waterfalls.

To learn more about Glacier National Park and continue planning your first trip read this blog next!