Glacier National Park may be famous for challenging backcountry routes and all-day mountain adventures, but you do not have to hike ten or fifteen miles to experience its waterfalls, alpine meadows, wildlife, forests, and dramatic mountain scenery. Some of the parkโs most memorable places can be reached on hikes measuring less than five miles.
Short hikes are especially useful if you have only a day or two in the park, are traveling with children, want to combine hiking with the Going-to-the-Sun Road, or simply prefer several shorter walks instead of one long trek. Options range from nearly level boardwalks through ancient forest to moderately steep climbs into Glacierโs high alpine country.
The hikes below are all approximately five miles or less when completed as described. Keep in mind that GPS mileage can vary, and walking from distant parking spaces or adding connecting trails can increase your total distance.
๐ฅพ Best Short Hikes in Glacier National Park at a Glance
| Hike | Approx. Distance | Difficulty | Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail of the Cedars | 0.9-mile loop | Easy | Avalanche | Forests and families |
| Running Eagle Falls | 0.6 mile round trip | Easy | Two Medicine | Waterfalls |
| Baring Falls | 0.6 mile round trip | EasyโModerate | St. Mary | Quick waterfall hike |
| Paradise Point | 1.4 miles round trip | Easy | Two Medicine | Lake and mountain views |
| St. Mary Falls | 1.6โ2.4 miles round trip | EasyโModerate | St. Mary | Waterfalls |
| Swiftcurrent Nature Trail | 2.3-mile loop | Easy | Many Glacier | Wildlife and lake scenery |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | About 2.6 miles round trip | Moderate | Logan Pass | Alpine views |
| Johns Lake Loop | About 3 miles | EasyโModerate | Lake McDonald | Forest and creek scenery |
| Redrock Falls | About 3.8 miles round trip | EasyโModerate | Many Glacier | Wildlife and waterfalls |
| Avalanche Lake | About 4.6 miles round trip | Moderate | Avalanche | Alpine lake scenery |
Distances can change slightly depending on your starting point, connecting trails, construction reroutes, and how a particular route is measured.
๐ฒ 1. Trail of the Cedars
Distance: 0.9-mile loop
Elevation gain: About 83 feet
Trailhead: Avalanche Picnic Area
Difficulty: Easy
Trail of the Cedars delivers an impressive amount of scenery for such a short walk. The route passes through an unusually lush stand of western red cedars and western hemlocks, giving this corner of Glacier a distinctly Pacific Northwest feel.
Much of the route follows a boardwalk beneath enormous trees, with ferns and moss covering the forest floor. One of its highlights is Avalanche Gorge, where bright mountain water squeezes through smooth, narrow rock formations along Avalanche Creek.
This is one of the best choices in Glacier for families, visitors who are short on time, and travelers looking for a gentler walk. Portions of the trail are also designed for wheelchair accessibility.
Trail of the Cedars is extremely popular because it combines easy walking with beautiful scenery, so visiting early or later in the day can make the experience more enjoyable.
๐ฆ 2. Running Eagle Falls
Distance: About 0.6 mile round trip
Elevation gain: About 47 feet
Trailhead: Running Eagle Falls Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy
Running Eagle Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in Glacier National Park, making it an excellent addition to a day spent exploring the Two Medicine area.
The short path travels through forest before reaching a viewpoint overlooking the falls. During periods of high water, the waterfall pours dramatically over the upper ledge. Later in the season, water can appear to emerge directly from an opening in the rock beneath the upper falls, giving Running Eagle Falls its distinctive appearance.
The route to the main viewing area is wheelchair accessible, and the short distance makes this an especially good stop for families or visitors who do not want a lengthy hike.
The Two Medicine setting adds considerably to the appeal. Even a brief walk here places you beneath some of Glacierโs characteristic steep ridges and rugged mountain walls.
๐ 3. Baring Falls
Distance: About 0.6 mile round trip from Sunrift Gorge
Elevation change: Roughly 250 feet between the trailhead and falls
Trailhead: Sunrift Gorge Pullout
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Baring Falls is another example of how little hiking is required to reach impressive scenery in Glacier National Park. From the Sunrift Gorge area, the trail descends through forest toward the shore of St. Mary Lake before reaching the waterfall.
Baring Creek tumbles over a rocky ledge into a clear pool surrounded by trees and steep terrain. Although the hike is short, remember that the descent on the way to the falls becomes an uphill climb on your return.
The trail also connects with a larger network of paths along St. Mary Lake. Hikers with additional time can continue toward St. Mary Falls, but Baring Falls alone works well when you want a scenic stop without committing to several hours on the trail.
๐๏ธ 4. Paradise Point
Distance: About 1.4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: About 100 feet
Trailhead: South Shore Trailhead, Two Medicine
Difficulty: Easy
Paradise Point is an appealing short hike for visitors who want mountain scenery without a substantial climb. The route begins near Two Medicine Lake and travels through forest before reaching views across the water.
From the shoreline, the mountains surrounding Two Medicine rise sharply above the lake, creating one of the most beautiful settings on Glacierโs east side. It can also be a pleasant location for a quiet break before returning to the trailhead.
Because Paradise Point requires relatively little elevation gain, it works well as a family hike or as a second trail after visiting Running Eagle Falls.
๐ง 5. St. Mary Falls
Distance: About 1.6 miles round trip from the St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop or approximately 2.4 miles from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Area: Going-to-the-Sun Road/St. Mary
St. Mary Falls is one of Glacier National Parkโs most recognizable waterfalls. Clear, blue-green water rushes through a narrow rocky channel before dropping in a powerful two-tiered cascade.
There are several ways to reach the falls, so your hiking distance depends on where you begin. One of the shortest approaches begins near the St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop, while the dedicated St. Mary Falls Trailhead produces a somewhat longer walk.
The surrounding landscape also tells the story of wildfire in Glacier. Much of this area burned in 2015, leaving more open terrain than visitors might expect and creating broad views across the regenerating forest.
Hikers who want a longer outing can continue to Virginia Falls, but St. Mary Falls by itself is an excellent short hike and keeps the total distance comfortably below five miles.
๐ซ 6. Swiftcurrent Nature Trail
Distance: About 2.3-mile loop
Trailhead: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead or Many Glacier Hotel area
Difficulty: Easy
Area: Many Glacier
The Swiftcurrent Nature Trail circles Swiftcurrent Lake in one of Glacier National Parkโs most spectacular valleys. Unlike many mountain hikes, it offers impressive scenery without requiring a long or steep ascent.
Much of the trail stays close to the lake, where reflections of the surrounding mountains can create beautiful views on calm mornings. The Many Glacier area is also excellent wildlife habitat, and hikers may encounter deer or see evidence of beavers and other animals. Moose are sometimes seen around lakes and wetlands in this part of the park.
Wildlife should always be observed from a safe distance. Bears also inhabit the Many Glacier Valley, so even this relatively easy nature trail requires normal Glacier bear precautions.
For visitors who want a relaxing walk surrounded by classic Rocky Mountain scenery, Swiftcurrent Nature Trail is one of the best short hikes in the park.
๐ 7. Hidden Lake Overlook
Distance: About 2.6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Roughly 600 feet
Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center
Difficulty: Moderate
Few short hikes in Glacier deliver scenery as dramatic as Hidden Lake Overlook. Beginning behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center, the trail climbs into the alpine landscape of the Continental Divide.
Boardwalks and steps lead through open meadows surrounded by Clements Mountain, Reynolds Mountain, and other rugged peaks. Depending on the season, snow may linger along portions of the trail well into summer.
The overlook provides a sweeping view of Hidden Lake beneath Bearhat Mountain. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and other wildlife are frequently associated with the Logan Pass area, although sightings are never guaranteed.
Despite its relatively short distance, Hidden Lake Overlook should not automatically be considered an easy walk. The elevation, stairs, exposure to weather, and approximately 600 feet of climbing can make it surprisingly tiring.
You can continue down toward Hidden Lake itself, but doing so pushes the hike to approximately five miles round trip and adds a substantial descent and return climb. For a true short hike, the overlook makes the better turnaround point.
๐ฟ 8. Johns Lake Loop
Distance: About 3 miles
Elevation gain: About 160 feet
Trailhead: Johns Lake Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Area: Lake McDonald
Johns Lake Loop is a quieter alternative to some of the heavily traveled trails around Logan Pass and Avalanche. The route winds through forest near Johns Lake before connecting with trails near McDonald Creek.
The lake itself is small and heavily wooded, but the larger loop provides a pleasant combination of dense forest, rushing water, and mountain scenery. Sections near McDonald Creek are particularly attractive when the water is high.
This is a good hike for visitors exploring the Lake McDonald portion of the park who want something longer than Trail of the Cedars but do not necessarily want a major mountain climb.
๐ฆ 9. Redrock Falls
Distance: About 3.8 miles round trip
Trailhead: Swiftcurrent area
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Area: Many Glacier
Redrock Falls combines lake scenery, wildlife habitat, and a waterfall in one relatively gentle hike. The trail follows part of the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail from the Swiftcurrent area and passes Fishercap Lake before continuing toward the falls.
Fishercap Lake is worth a brief stop. Moose are sometimes seen feeding in or around the water, particularly during quieter parts of the day. Never approach wildlife or move closer for photographs.
Redrock Falls is not a single tall plunge. Instead, water cascades over reddish rock formations in several stages, with mountains rising dramatically behind the Swiftcurrent Valley.
With relatively modest elevation change compared with many Glacier hikes, Redrock Falls provides an excellent introduction to the Many Glacier trail system.
๐๏ธ 10. Avalanche Lake
Distance: Approximately 4.6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Roughly 700 feet
Trailhead: Avalanche Picnic Area
Difficulty: Moderate
Avalanche Lake sits right at the upper limit of what qualifies for this list, but it deserves a place because the National Park Service lists the route at about 2.3 miles each way.
The trail begins in the Trail of the Cedars area before climbing alongside Avalanche Creek through dense forest. Eventually the trees open to reveal Avalanche Lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and narrow waterfalls dropping from the mountains above.
The setting is magnificent. Water draining from the surrounding peaks and snowfields creates a dramatic amphitheater at the far end of the lake, making this one of the most popular hiking destinations on Glacier’s west side.
Because the Avalanche Lake trail connects with Trail of the Cedars, GPS devices and hiking apps sometimes show distances greater than five miles depending on the exact route, parking location, and how the connecting section is measured. If staying strictly below five miles is important to you, verify your planned route before starting.
โญ Which Short Glacier Hike Is Best?
If you only have time for one hike, the best choice depends on what you most want to see.
For high-alpine scenery, Hidden Lake Overlook is difficult to beat. For waterfalls, St. Mary Falls or Running Eagle Falls are excellent choices. For a very easy family walk, choose Trail of the Cedars. If your priority is wildlife and mountain scenery, Redrock Falls or Swiftcurrent Nature Trail make strong options.
Avalanche Lake offers perhaps the most complete traditional hiking experience on this list, combining forest, rushing water, mountain scenery, and an alpine lake, although it is also one of the longer and more demanding choices.
๐บ๏ธ Choosing Hikes by Area
Glacier is enormous, and driving between areas can take considerably longer than distances on a map suggest. Rather than choosing trails scattered across the park, it usually makes more sense to combine short hikes located near one another.
Visitors traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road can combine Trail of the Cedars with stops at Logan Pass, Hidden Lake Overlook, Baring Falls, or St. Mary Falls. You can find more stops and planning information in our Going-to-the-Sun Road guide.
In Many Glacier, Swiftcurrent Nature Trail and Redrock Falls can easily become part of the same day. In Two Medicine, Running Eagle Falls and Paradise Point make a natural pairing.
Organizing your hikes geographically reduces driving and gives you more time outside the car.
โ๏ธ When Is the Best Time for Short Hikes in Glacier?
Summer through early fall generally provides the greatest access to Glacier National Park’s hiking trails, but conditions vary enormously with elevation.
Low-elevation trails such as Trail of the Cedars can become accessible considerably earlier than alpine routes around Logan Pass. Hidden Lake Overlook may retain snow even after Going-to-the-Sun Road opens for vehicle traffic.
July and August usually provide the broadest trail access, but they are also the busiest months. September can bring cooler temperatures, fewer visitors, and beautiful conditions, although early snowstorms are possible in the mountains.
Road openings, trail closures, wildfire conditions, wildlife activity, construction, and shuttle operations can change quickly. Always check current National Park Service information shortly before hiking.
๐ป Bear Safety on Even the Shortest Trails
A trail does not have to travel deep into the backcountry to enter bear habitat. Both grizzly bears and black bears live throughout Glacier National Park, including areas near popular roads and heavily used trails.
Carry bear spray where you can reach it quickly rather than burying it inside a backpack. Know how to use it before beginning your hike, remain alert, and make your presence known when visibility is limited.
Never approach bears or other wildlife for photographs. Glacier’s mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and deer are also wild animals and need considerable space.
๐ What to Bring on a Short Glacier Hike
It can be tempting to treat a two-mile hike as little more than a walk from the parking lot, but Glacier’s weather and terrain deserve more preparation.
Bring water, snacks, sturdy footwear, bear spray, sun protection, and an insulating or waterproof layer. Weather around the Continental Divide can change rapidly even when conditions are pleasant at lower elevations.
Cell service is limited or nonexistent in much of the park, so save trail information or maps before leaving developed areas. The National Park Service also recommends carrying the hiking essentials appropriate for your trip.
๐ Parking and Trailhead Access
Parking can be more difficult than the hiking itself at some of Glacier’s most popular short trails. Avalanche, Logan Pass, Many Glacier, and the St. Mary corridor can all become congested during peak periods.
Access systems also change from season to season. Shuttle routes, parking rules, road construction, and entry procedures should therefore be checked when planning your trip rather than relying on information from a previous visit.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is seasonal and usually does not become fully accessible until snow-removal crews have cleared the alpine portion. Never assume that Logan Pass or a particular trail is open simply because lower sections of the park are accessible.
๐ Short Hikes Can Still Show You the Best of Glacier
You do not need an all-day backpacking trip to understand why Glacier National Park is considered one of America’s great hiking destinations. Within a few miles of a trailhead, you can walk beneath ancient cedars, watch turquoise water plunge over waterfalls, wander beside mountain lakes, and stand above an alpine basin surrounded by some of the most dramatic peaks in the northern Rockies.
Trail of the Cedars and Running Eagle Falls are ideal when you have only a little time. Hidden Lake Overlook provides an accessible taste of Glacier’s alpine country, while Redrock Falls and Swiftcurrent Nature Trail showcase the beauty of Many Glacier. For hikers willing to use nearly the entire five-mile allowance, Avalanche Lake offers a memorable destination surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls.
Choosing two or three short hikes in different landscapes can sometimes reveal more of Glacier than spending an entire day on a single trail.
๐ Related Articles
- Glacier National Park
- Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
- Glacier National Park Photography Guide
๐ Sources & Further Reading
- National Park Service โ Hiking the Trails in Glacier National Park
- National Park Service โ Trail of the Cedars
- National Park Service โ Hidden Lake Trailhead
- National Park Service โ St. Mary Falls Trail
- National Park Service โ Hiking St. Mary
- National Park Service โ Hiking Many Glacier
- National Park Service โ Hiking Two Medicine
- National Park Service โ Hiking Lake McDonald
- National Park Service โ Running Eagle Falls Trailhead
- National Park Service โ Avalanche Lake Trail
- National Park Service โ Redrock Falls Trail
