Audio
Going-to-the-Sun Road: Avalanche Creek
Transcript
[Narration] The Avalanche Creek area is one of the most popular and crowded spots in the park. The old growth cedars and hemlocks are unlike anywhere else in the park and look more at home on the rocky coasts of Washington or Oregon than in the Rocky Mountains. However, rains from clouds trapped by the Continental Divide make this an inviting habitat for a wide array of plants and animals.
A campground and picnic area are located here, but the real draws are the two popular trails that allow exploration of this unique part of the park. The “Trail of the Cedars” is an easy one half mile, wheel chair accessible, loop trail into the cool and inviting old growth forest. Huge western red cedars, western hemlocks, and cottonwoods line the banks of Avalanche Creek. Ferns and other shade loving plants thrive in the filtered green light that penetrates the forest canopy.
About half way along the trail, a bridge crosses the creek and provides a stunning view of Avalanche Gorge. Centuries of water gushing through this narrow gap has rounded and smoothed the moss-laden walls. Hikers may continue back to the parking area at this point on the loop, or venture off to the Avalanche Lake Trail. This easy two-mile walk climbs 500 feet to reach Avalanche Lake. The trail follows along Avalanche Creek as it climbs up and out of the cedar-hemlock forest into a mixed spruce and fir forest just a few hundred feet above. Early morning visitors may also be treated to the sites of deer and other wildlife along the trail.
Before long the forest opens up and the dramatic cliffs at the head of Avalanche Lake loom on the horizon. Fed by melting snows and the Sperry Glacier, huge waterfalls cascade down the back wall of the avalanche cirque all summer long. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular hikes in the park. It’s not for those seeking solitude but the rewards of this trip are worth every step.
Parking is limited at Avalanche Creek so consider leaving your car at your campground or at the Apgar Transit Center and taking the new free shuttle system to explore this area of the park. Please help prevent resource damage by remaining on the trails and for your safety please stay clear of the creek and the slippery rocks along the bank. Drownings have occurred here in the past.
Description
Avalanche Creek is one of the most popular spots in the park, with camping, picnicking, and hiking trails.
Duration
2 minutes, 21 seconds
Credit
Glacier National Park
Date Created
08/05/2015
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