Iceberg Lake Trail with Kids: What It’s Like to Hike 10 Miles to a Glacier
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[caption id="attachment_373162" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] What a stunning view[/caption]
Some days on the trail just feel like they were made for your family. July 17th was one of those days. We were up early, loaded into the car, and pulling into Many Glacier by 8:08 in the morning and by the time we rolled back in that evening, we had hiked over 10 miles, stood on actual icebergs, eaten soft-serve ice cream in a historic lodge, and finished the night with bison skewers and trout and waffles at one of the best little restaurants in Montana. I'm not sure our family has ever packed more into a single day.
Here's everything you need to know if you're planning to tackle Iceberg Lake with your family.
Where the Trail Starts
The Iceberg Lake Trailhead is located in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful corners of the park and, worth every bit of the drive to get there. You'll find the trailhead near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking area. Arrive early. We pulled in around 8am and had our pick of spots, but by mid-morning that lot fills up fast, especially in peak summer.
From the trailhead, you'll follow a well-marked path through meadows and along the base of dramatic glacially carved ridges. The views start immediately and only get better the further you go. Watch for the classic Glacier mountain goat sightings along the upper ridge line this trail delivers.
If you’re wondering whether the Iceberg Lake Trail in Glacier National Park is doable with kids… I’m going to give you the honest answer. We hiked all 10 miles of this trail as a family, and while it is absolutely one of the most beautiful hikes we’ve ever done, it’s also not a casual walk in the park. This is the kind of hike that’s 100% worth it, but only if you go in prepared. Here’s exactly what it’s like, what to expect, and what I’d do differently if we did it again with the kids.
What to Pack
Glacier weather is famously unpredictable, and the Many Glacier area can shift from warm sunshine to a cold alpine wind in minutes once you gain elevation. Here's what we brought and what we'd recommend:
Layers for everyone! We started off cold but were very glad to have short sleeves by the time we were near the lake
Lunch and plenty of snacks! We ate right at the lakeshore and it was magical
Water bottles or a filtered water system
A note on socks: merino wool is worth every penny in the mountains. They dry fast, resist odor, and keep feet comfortable over long miles. We've converted our whole family.
Iceberg Lake Trail Overview (Quick Facts)
Distance: ~10+ miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,200 feet
Location: Many Glacier, Glacier National Park
Difficulty: Moderate but long so it is manageable for kids with hiking experience
Restrooms: Available at the Swiftcurrent trailhead/parking area; none on trail
Dogs: Not permitted in Glacier National Park frontcountry trails
Best Time to Go: Late June through early September; icebergs are most plentiful in July
Wildlife We Saw
Glacier National Park lives up to every bit of its reputation when it comes to wildlife. On this hike we spotted:
Mountain goats high on the ridgeline (almost always visible on this trail)
Bighorn sheep grazing near the trail
Ground squirrels everywhere
Several marmots sunning on the rocks near the lake
Keep your eyes up and your camera ready the whole way. The Many Glacier valley is one of the most wildlife-rich corridors in the entire park. And always, always carry bear spray and know how to use it.
What It's Like Standing on an Iceberg
Okay, let's talk about the main event.
Iceberg Lake sits in a stunning cirque which is like a bowl carved out by glacial activity at around 6,100 feet elevation. Even in mid-July, the lake is still full of floating chunks of ice that have calved off the permanent snowfield above. The water is an impossibly bright blue-green, and the icebergs range from small drifting pieces to large flat slabs you can actually step out onto near the shore.
And yes.... we did exactly that.
The water is absolutely freezing. Like, catch-your-breath, how-is-this-not-solid-ice freezing. We waded in just enough to step up onto the edge of one of the larger bergs and stood there for a few seconds feeling utterly ridiculous and completely thrilled. The kids thought it was the coolest thing we've done on the entire trip, and honestly? They weren't wrong.
We ate lunch right there at the lake, played with ice crystals, tossed small snow chunks, and just soaked it all in. It's one of those places that makes you feel like you're standing somewhere most people will never get to stand. I highly recommend taking your time here before heading back.
[caption id="attachment_373696" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Yes, my toes were numb, but we got the picture on ice in Iceberg Lake at Glacier National Park[/caption]
Post-Hike Treats: Swiftcurrent Lodge + Two Sisters
After over 10 miles on your feet, you have earned every bite of what comes next. Here's how we ended our day:
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn Soft Serve
We stopped at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn on the way back through Many Glacier for souvenirs and soft serve ice cream. They were serving raspberry and vanilla swirl in classic cones, and I cannot overstate how good soft serve tastes after a 10-mile hike. Browse the gift shop while you're there.... they had a solid selection of Glacier-specific items.
If you are anywhere near the east side of Glacier National Park, you need to eat at Two Sisters Cafe. It's the kind of quirky, colorful, absolutely-packed local gem that has no business being as good as it is, and it is so, so good. We ordered the trout and waffles, pork quesadillas, and bison skewers which were all incredible. Get there early or be prepared to wait. It's worth it!
Bonus Stop: East Glacier Lodge
On the drive back we swung through East Glacier Lodge since we hadn't been yet. I grabbed an iced coffee, poked around the gift shop (genuinely great finds we hadn't seen anywhere else in the park), and then we headed back to the cabin to pack up and call it one of our best days of the trip. I saw a backroads van with mountain bikes that got my wheels churning for my next adventure trip!
Pack Right for This Hike: Our Gear Picks and What We Actually Used and Recommend:
These are the products we actually use and love for long family hikes. A few of these affiliate links help support Porchlight Passport at no extra cost to you and thank you for that!
Merino Wool Hiking Socks:They dry fast, prevent blisters, and keep feet comfortable mile after mile. Worth every penny for long hikes.
Collapsible Trekking Poles for Kids:Lightweight and adjustable and make things an absolute game changers on descents. Our kids won't hike without them now.
Waterproof Hiking Boots:Non-negotiable for Glacier. Wet trail sections and icy lakeshore moments require real waterproofing.
Insulated Lunch Containers / Cold Packs: Keep your food safe and your sandwiches cold all the way to a 10-mile turnaround.
First Aid Blister Kit: Bring it. 10+ miles on mountain terrain will find any weak spots in your footwear situation.
Low-Scent Zip Lock Bags: Bear country requires it. Keep all food sealed and scent-contained while on trail.
Hiking backpacks
These ranged from REI's brand of a hydration pack, to Osprey, to Camelbak!
Refillable water bottles or hydration packs - NON-negotiable. Between the altitude, sun, and length, you need a LOT of water.
Trail snacks (lots of them)
Light layers (it’s colder at the lake)
Sunscreen + hats
Bear Spray - rented from the airport in Kalispell and is another non-negotiable but you hope you never need it! You cannot buy this and fly with it!
Is Iceberg Lake Trail Kid-Friendly?
Short answer: yes, but it depends on your kids.
If your kids can handle longer hikes (think 8–10 miles) and some elevation, they’ll be rewarded with one of the most incredible views in Glacier.
That said, this is not a beginner trail for young kids who aren’t used to hiking.
What It’s Actually Like Hiking Iceberg Lake Trail with Kids
The trail starts off pretty manageable, which can be a little misleading.
It gradually climbs the entire way, and by the last few miles, you definitely feel it... especially with kids.
But the views? Unreal the entire time. Wildlife, waterfalls, and then finally… the glacier lake at the end.
That last stretch makes every step worth it.
If we did this hike again, I would:
Start earlier (less crowds + better weather)
Pack even more snacks (kids hit a wall fast)
Take more breaks on the way up instead of pushing through
Bring an extra pair of socks for a change when they get wet and trust me, it happens!
Put my hydration pack in the refrigerator full of water the night before
Tips for Hiking Iceberg Lake Trail with Kids
Start early to avoid crowds and heat
Bring more snacks than you think you need
Take breaks on the way up, your kids will LOVE the colored rocks, spotting wildflowers, looking through binoculars, and just exploring with you!
Watch for wildlife (this IS bear country)
Set expectations with your kids before starting
Have you hiked Iceberg Lake? I'd love to hear about your experience. Drop a comment below or tag us on Instagram. And if this post helped you plan your trip, save it for later!
