One of two wheelchair and stroller accessible trails in the park, Trail of the Cedars is a short loop hike – less than a mile – that begins and ends on Going-to-the-Sun Road, meaning you can hike it in either direction. The hike features a raised boardwalk that passes through a fragrant, old-growth red cedar forest, but the highlight is at the midway point. Here, you'll reach a footbridge over Avalanche Creek with sweeping views of the gorge and a stunning waterfall surrounded by rainbow-colored rocks. The only downside? Since this easy hike is accessible to visitors of all skill levels, parking is often difficult to find during peak season (July to Labor Day). 

Many recent visitors touted this trail as the best walk in the park, saying it's not only an easy, accessible path, but also offers breathtaking views of the gorge and Avalanche Lake. Many recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowded parking lots, noting that the picnic grounds near McDonald Creek are a great place to break for lunch or dinner. Travelers also commented on the lovely cedar fragrance in this old-growth forest. Access to the trail is free with park admission. You'll find the trail more than 5 miles northeast of Lake McDonald Lodge. For more information on hiking, visit the NPS website.