Cracker Lake
Cracker Lake

Cracker Lake Trail

Glacier National Park
View Photos

Cracker Lake Trail

Distance: 13.2mi
Elevation: 2,021ft
Time: 5.5-7.5h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
10 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Cracker Lake's hike reveals stunning views of the canyon while leading you to the magical alpine lake. But before beautiful vistas envelop you, you'll have to travel along a horse loop for 2.0mi, which may not produce the most pleasant smells in the world. Once you're past this initial part of the trail, it becomes incredibly scenic and definitely worth the initial slog!

Cracker Lake Trail Map

Getting there

Start the Cracker Lake Trail from the top end of the parking lot at Many Glacier. From Babb, on US 89, take Rte 3 into Glacier National Park Many Glacier Entrance. Continue for roughly 11.0mi (through the gates) to Many Glacier hotel.

I’ve done this 2 people have done this
I want to do this 1 want to do this route

About

When to do

May - October

Pets allowed

No

Family friendly

Older Children only

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Out and back


Cracker Lake Trail
Elevation Graph

Cracker Lake Trail Description

Expect a muddy, buggy first 2.0mi, as horses from Many Glacier share this trail! Later in the season, it may be scorched and rutted – either way, the first 2.0mi are quite challenging to get through. But beauty awaits you on the other side!

The hike begins at the Piegan Pass/Cracker Lake trailhead at the end of the parking lot in Many Glacier. Following the trail along the horse loop for the first 2.0mi, you will eventually cross a small bridge over Allen Creek, which will bring you to the end of the horse loop. At this point, hikers should head straight through the junction and will notice the conditions of the trail improve significantly.

The trail begins to ascend along switchbacks. After another 1.0mi, you will catch a glimpse of a large waterfall cascading through the trees ahead. Another 1.0mi later, you will reach a break in the forest and views of the canyon will emerge into view. Shortly after, roughly 0.5mi after viewing the canyon for the first time, you will cross canyon creek and reenter the forest for another 1.0mi.

Once you leave the forest, at roughly 4.8mi from the trailhead, you will experience unobstructed views until you reach the lake. You can not see the lake at this point, but canyon vista is spectacular. After another 1.0mi, the lake will start to inch into the foreground. You can stop here and head back, or if you have the energy, continue onwards to the abandoned Cracker Lake Mine and the lake itself.

Find more epic hikes in Glacier National Park

Insider Hints

  • This is prime grizzly country - be bear aware. Bring bear spray, travel in groups, make plenty of noise as you come around twists and turns. Your odds of seeing a grizzly on this hike are very high.

  • Do note that there is a three-site campground nearby, so you can always opt to turn this into a backpacking trip.

Comments

Ben Hanes 4 years ago

The cascading waterfalls was a glorious sight to behold. As you can imagine, this hike is short but beautiful.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
maxjohanson 4 years ago

This is simply an experience not to be missed.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
6h 25m Time Taken
Polina Ivanov 5 years ago

It really cure my stress from studying. Nature is amazing.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Amanda P. 5 years ago

This hike is so cool. After catching glimpse of the cascading waterfall I got very excited. Do you know that feeling after seeing your favorite dessert? It's pretty much the same for me.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
4 Comments

Similar hikes to the Cracker Lake Trail hike

Fish Lake Trail Map

Fish Lake Trail

Difficulty:
5.5mi
1339ft
2.5-4h

Fish Lake Trail is a mix between relaxing and heart pumping. The start of the trail takes you through a…

Quartz Creek Trail Map

Quartz Creek Trail

Difficulty:
13.8mi
1083ft
5-7h

Quartz Creek Trail is a relaxing hike on a remote trail in Glacier National Park. The hike takes you through…

Snyder Ridge Trail Map

Snyder Ridge Trail

Difficulty:
11.7mi
2543ft
5.5-7.5h

Hiking through Snyder Ridge Trail takes you through a forest for most of the trail that follows the ridge along…