A Scenic Hike to Iceberg Lake Via Ptarmigan Tunnel

From Ptarmigan Tunnel to Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park

Our adventure began early one crisp September morning. Our selected hike was a route to Ptarmigan Tunnel in Glacier National Park. On the return trip from the tunnel, our legs felt good, and we didn’t want the day to end, so we decided to add onto an already big hiking day. Iceberg Lake was the new target.

Ptarmigan Tunnel – 10.6 miles – 2,362 Elevation Gain – Est. time 5 hr. 31 min. – Rated 4.9 – Hard

Ptarmigan Tunnel: The Gateway to Adventure

With our backpacks loaded—water, snacks, and a camera—we set out from the Many Glacier area near our campground. We felt energetic as we noticed the incredible beauty surrounding us.

Many Glacier is often referred to as the “Switzerland of North America.” It was easy to see why.

The towering peaks, lush valleys, and pristine lakes create a landscape that felt a bit unreal somehow. Even with the haze of smoke in the air from the Idaho wildfires, the Many Glacier area remained stunning. For us, it felt more like a backdrop for a movie scene rather than a normal day walking in nature. It was not an environment people from Missouri see every day.

The hike to Ptarmigan Tunnel was challenging yet enjoyable. The trail to it meandered through dense forests, then opened up to huge meadows. Each turn offered a new vista more breathtaking than the last.

We paused frequently to soak in the beauty in front of us as we plodded uphill to the top. The tunnel itself, carved through the rock, is a feat of early engineering, and it offers a spectacular view of the valley on the other side of the mountain.

The Decision to Explore Iceberg Lake

After visiting Ptarmigan Tunnel, we discussed whether we should increase our mileage and lengthen our hike. Knowing we would pass the trailhead on the way back, we ultimately decided to walk the distance to Iceberg Lake. I guess the possibility of seeing floating icebergs so late in the season was just too tempting to resist.

There was a legitimate reason not to go to the lake, however.

We had heard stories from other hikers of Grizzly bear sightings along the trail to Iceberg Lake. The thought was daunting, but we reviewed what we would do if we encountered a bear and felt we would be safe based on the reporting of others. Equipped with bear spray and a heightened sense of awareness, we continued on.

The Iceberg Trail added 2.5 miles to our hike. Including Ptarmigan Tunnel, our total was about 12-miles for the day.

A Serene and Safe Journey

Luckily for us, and despite the warnings, we did not encounter any bears that day. Fortunately, we did not see bears on our hike to Grinnell Glacier days later either. Instead, both trails were serene and uneventful.

Continuing our hike to Iceberg Lake, our attention was focused on the rocky trail in front of us and the wildflowers that lined it on either side. The path was moderately strenuous but well worth it. Our pace was quick and our expectations high; we knew we would soon encounter another natural jewel.

Facts about Iceberg Lake

Iceberg Lake is situated at an elevation of 6,094 feet. It is a glacial lake that remains cold year-round. Even in the height of summer, chunks of ice float on its surface. This creates a striking contrast against the deep blue water. The lake is fed by meltwater from the surrounding glaciers. Its unique location in a cirque surrounded by steep cliffs gives it a secluded and tranquil atmosphere.

The Many Glacier area, where Iceberg Lake is located, is a hotspot for seeing wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, longhorn sheep, and marmots. Many Glacier also feels more secluded to us than other areas of Glacier National Park and is one of our favorite places to visit.

The Majesty of Iceberg Lake

As we got closer to Iceberg Lake, the wildflowers were like a colorful blanket covering the land, bursting with greens, reds, yellows, blues, and purples. The colorful sight first caught our eyes, but we quickly noticed the emerald lake hiding just behind it. It was a welcoming and picturesque sneak peek of the glacial water we had chosen to hike to.

When we arrived at the lake’s shore, we noticed a few icebergs floating on the water’s surface although they were not prominent. I guess the July and August sun took care of business and only left a handful of floating ice for Gail and me to admire.

The water was so clear that we could see fish swimming near the shore. We could also see the rocky bottom several feet below. The water seemed to invite our feet to enter, and almost immediately, we shed our footwear. Dipping our toes in carefully, the temperature of the water was so cold it shocked our bodies. It felt refreshing and a bit painful at the same time.

Although Iceberg Lake was beautifully serene, we didn’t spend much time at the lakeshore. It was late in the afternoon, and we were beginning to feel the need to head downhill to our van.

Reflections on the Hike

As we headed back, retracing our steps through the stunning views of Glacier National Park, we felt happy we added the detour. Going beyond Ptarmigan Tunnel to Iceberg Lake turned out to be a good decision, giving us a full day of adventure that we’ll always remember. We consider this hike one of the best outings in Many Glacier and recommend it to anyone visiting the park.