
Key Info
Details
- Hiking, Recreation Type
- More than Full Day Time to Spend
Scorecard
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Value5.0
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Facilities2.0
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Atmosphere5.0
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The Iceberg Lake Trail is a favorite among experienced hikers, who are treated to stunning views of Mount Wilbur, Iceberg Peak and the Continental Divide upon reaching the snow and ice-filled lake. The hike begins behind the cabins at Swiftcurrent Lake and shares the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail for the first few miles, splitting off just past the Ptarmigan Falls. Hikers are rewarded with views of gorgeous alpine meadows in the spring and summer.
According to recent visitors, the trail is well-suited for avid hikers, and may be too difficult for casual travelers who are unfit, as the trail is mostly uphill. Many also enjoyed seeing grizzly bears, bighorn sheep and mountain goats along the way. Travelers said that late spring and early summer were the best times to see the floating icebergs on the lake, and cautioned that even in the summer, it can be cold or rainy. Some visitors even tried the "polar bear plunge:" a freezing post-hike dip in the lake.
You'll want to pack rain gear, hiking poles, water and a picnic lunch to enjoy lakeside. Several sections of the trail are known as prime bear habitats, so hiking in groups and carrying bear spray are recommended. The trail is free to access with your park admission. To learn more about the trail, visit the NPS website.