Avalanche Lake Trailhead - 13/22

The songs of birds, squirrels, running water, and the magical scenery of the trail leading to Avalanche Lake has made this area a popular destination for people of all ages. Excited visitors filled with awe and amazement can be seen hiking up and down the trail. Curious children exploring the wonders of the forest will be witnessed.

You will share this journey with individuals from different walks of life, a diverse collection of adventurous people traveling though a diverse forest community of trees, plants, and animals. In the winter season however, when most people are in their warm homes, this is a quiet place, where one can witness delicate snow blanketing the trail.

After clicking the thumbnail image, place your mouse over the expanded picture to view this location in winter.

Hiking in Bear Country - 14/22

Glacier National Park is home to both black and grizzly bears. Due to its habitat, bears have been seen on both the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake trails. To see a safety message about hiking in bear country, click on the Park Ranger Icon.

To avoid a possible encounter with a bear, it is important not to surprise them while hiking. Bears will usually move out of the way if they hear people approaching, so make noise. Most "bear bells" are ineffective. Calling out loudly or clapping your hands at regular intervals are better ways of making your presence known. If you encounter a bear, here are a few guidelines to follow that may help:

Talk quietly or not at all; the time to make loud noise is before you encounter a bear. Try to detour around the bear if possible.

Do not run! You cannot outrun a bear. Back away slowly, but stop if this seems to agitate the bear.

Try to assume a non-threatening posture. Turn sideways, or bend at the knees to appear smaller.

Use peripheral vision. Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening.

Drop something (but not food) to distract the bear. Keep your pack on for protection in case of an attack.

If a bear starts to charge in attack and you have bear spray, use it! Prior to hiking, become familiar with how it works.

If the bear makes contact with you, protect your chest and abdomen by falling to the ground on your stomach, or assuming a fetal position to reduce the severity of an attack. Cover the back of your neck with your hands, and leave your pack on for extra protection. Do not move until you are certain that the bear has left. Be sure to report all bear sightings to a park ranger.

Avalanche Creek - 15/22