Iceberg Lake

Starting from the Iceberg/Ptarmigan trailhead near Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, you'll climb gradually through dense subalpine forest before the trees thin out and the valley opens up in a way that makes you stop mid-stride. The trail winds through wildflower meadows that peak in late July, with Ptarmigan Wall rising like a fortress on your left. The elevation gain is gentle enough that your legs won't hate you — spread over nearly five miles, it's more of a steady walk-in than a grind. The payoff is one of Glacier's most photographed scenes: a deep turquoise lake cradled in a massive cirque, with actual icebergs bobbing in the water well into August. Mountain goats frequently pick their way across the surrounding cliffs. This is the trail for hikers who want a big alpine payoff without a punishing climb.