Cracker Lake – Glacier National Park

Cracker Lake is a 12.8-mile hike that, in my opinion, is all about the destination. While there are scenic spots along the way, the lake itself is the star of the show. Its milky turquoise waters, created by glacier flour flowing down from the Glaciers above, are surrounded by towering rock walls that form a truly breathtaking landscape. It’s no surprise that this trail is a favorite for both hikers and horseback riders.

Trail Conditions

The start of this trail can be a bit rough. The first quarter to half mile is often muddy and dotted with horse manure, which attracts flies and can make for an unpleasant beginning. However, once you get past this initial stretch, the trail conditions improve significantly.

Along the way, you’ll encounter creek crossings and footbridges, none of which are particularly technical or challenging. However, this area can retain snow into the summer, so it’s important to check trail conditions and plan your hike according to the season.

The Destination

As you approach the lake, the effort is more than rewarded. The stunning view of Cracker Lake’s turquoise waters and the dramatic rock walls surrounding it make the muddy beginning and lengthy hike worthwhile. If you’re looking for an overnight backpacking adventure, there’s a backcountry campsite near the lake, complete with a pit toilet. You will need a backcountry permit to camp there.

Difficulty Rating

We rate this hike as hard primarily because of its length. The 1,712 feet of elevation gain is spread evenly over the distance, so if you’re accustomed to mountain hiking, the incline shouldn’t be too daunting.

Wildlife

The Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park is a hotspot for wildlife. I have encountered mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, moose, and grizzly bears in this area of the park. During my hike to Cracker Lake, I spotted my first grizzly bear, foraging on a mountainside. It was an unforgettable experience—close enough to see clearly without binoculars, yet far enough to be safe.

Getting There

The Many Glacier entrance is located in the northeastern corner of Glacier National Park. If you’re traveling from towns west of the park like Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, or Bigfork, plan for a significant drive. For example, the drive from Columbia Falls typically takes about 2.5 hours, and from Kalispell, it’s closer to 3 hours.

Parking can fill up quickly during peak hours, so aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the day. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to finish the hike before sunset if you want to avoid hiking in the dark.

Things to Know Before You Go

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Glacier National Park has seen a dramatic increase in visitors. To manage this influx of visitors, the park has implemented vehicle pass requirements for many areas, which now may include timed reservations. These policies have changed annually, so be sure to check the latest pass and reservation requirements before your visit.

Here are a few additional tips:

• Pets are not allowed on hiking trails in Glacier National Park, so leave your furry friends at home.
• This is grizzly bear country. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. For more information, check out our article, Staying Safe: Tools for Hiking in Grizzly Bear Country.

Cracker Lake offers one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in Glacier National Park. With some preparation and a bit of effort, you’ll be treated to one of the most stunning alpine lake views in the region.