The Easy Hike for Kids in Glacier: Trail of the Cedars

Trail of the Cedars

The Trail of the Cedars has long been one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park.

For one thing, it's easy and flat, and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. A raised boardwalk even makes it wheelchair accessible.

The trailhead is about five miles east of Lake MacDonald Lodge along Going to the Sun Road.

The trail leads you through towering western hemlock and western red cedar trees. The area has been spared by the wildfires which have burned around the park in recent years. Park officials say some trees are 500 years old.

Trail of the Cedars boardwalk

The boardwalk ends at a bridge, which crosses Avalanche Creek. You'll get a beautiful view of the gorge, waterfall, and moss-covered rocks.
Climbing up farther, you'll get a different perspective of the gorge, which is full of vibrant blue water, from melting glaciers upstream.

You'll also see a sign for the Avalanche Lake Trail, which can be challenging for children and seniors, depending on ability.
It's about two and a half miles to Avalanche Lake. The trail leads you past creeks and downed trees from avalanches, and finally to crystal clear Avalanche Lake.

Avalanche Lake

Don't stop at the first beach. Keep hiking around to lose the crowds. You'll be able to find your own private spot to relax and jump in the water. Beware! It's easy to sink into the silt or mud at the bottom.

You’ll lose a shoe in the mud, but the water is crystal clear!

Smoke was wafting in from wildfires burning in Idaho and Oregon, but we could still make out the waterfalls in the distance, coming from the Sperry Glacier.

We were hoping to catch a moose coming down for a drink, but saw no wildlife on our trip.

Feel free to cool off in Avalanche Lake’s glacier water, but be prepared to sink in :)

Parking can be a challenge during peak season. Arriving at dawn will assure you a spot in the parking lot. We arrived by 6:00am, and napped in the car before going in.