Iceberg Lake - Glacier National Park

After arriving at Iceberg Lake, these boys swam out in the icy water to stand on an iceberg.

The hike to Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Along the 9.7 mile roundtrip hike that begins at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in the eastern part of the park, there is much to be discovered. We hiked the trail in August with a group ranging in age from 8-55 years old.

It is a beautiful hike that is more long and meandering than steep and challenging. The wildflowers were still magnificently in bloom and we spotted a moose as well as a mama bear with her cubs along our journey. The mama bear did have our nerves on edge for a while, but we kept an eye on her and made sure not to disturb her route. We also made a lot of noise so as not to surprise her and kept our bear spray handy.

If you plan on hiking to Iceberg Lake, be sure to pack:
• Plenty of water
• BEAR SPRAY - Every adult should carry a canister (this is a pepper spray bear deterrent)
• Gummy bears or other treats that will keep the little ones moving along the trail
• Lunch to enjoy once you reach Iceberg Lake
• Clothes you don't mind swimming in because you should really take the plunge

Our whole group jumped in the magnificently clear and freezing water at Iceberg Lake. We did scream and lose our breath and shiver a bit but it sealed the experience in our minds. The teenage boys pictured above one-upped us all by swimming out in the freezing water to the iceberg. They, of course, wanted bragging rights that they'd stood on an iceberg. Not many can say that.