Babb, Montana
Iceberg Lake Trail
Hike to a lake with icebergs floating in July, ringed by 3,000-foot cliffs.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Length
- 9.7 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 1,450 ft
- Duration
- 5–6
- Best Season
- Jul–Sep
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Features
- Floating icebergs, Grizzly country
About the trail
Iceberg Lake earns its name — chunks of glacial ice float in the turquoise water deep into summer. The trail leaves Many Glacier Hotel, climbs through wildflower meadows past Ptarmigan Falls, then traverses a cliffside bench to the cirque. The headwall rises 3,000 feet above the lake.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 48.8025, -113.6831Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at the Iceberg/Ptarmigan trailhead behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.
- Climb steadily 2.5 miles to Ptarmigan Falls.
- Continue west across open meadows.
- Drop into the Iceberg Lake basin at 4.85 miles.
Parking
Swiftcurrent / Many Glacier trailhead — vehicle reservation required for Many Glacier July–September.
Tips from the trail
- Grizzly bears are frequently active on this trail — carry bear spray and hike in groups.
- Trail often opens in mid-July after avalanche debris clears.
- Don't swim — the lake is 38°F.