Montana - Trail of the Cedars, Glacier National Park

Written By Matt Brown

Specifications:

  • Trail Name & State: Montana - Trail of the Cedars, Glacier National Park

  • Difficulty Level: Easy

  • Distance: 0.8 miles loop

  • Elevation Gain: Minimal (less than 50 feet)

  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

  • Best Season: June through September

  • Permit Required: Park entrance fee required

1. Why This Trail

Trail of the Cedars provides accessible entry into one of North America's most spectacular and rare ecosystems—an inland temperate rainforest that exists only in a few protected locations throughout the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains. This ancient forest grove showcases massive western red cedars and western hemlocks, some over 500 years old, that create a cathedral-like atmosphere found nowhere else in Montana. Located in the heart of Glacier National Park along Going-to-the-Sun Road, this trail demonstrates the incredible biodiversity that makes the Crown of the Continent ecosystem legendary among conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts. The completely accessible boardwalk allows visitors of all abilities to experience pristine wilderness while protecting the fragile forest floor ecosystem that supports this remarkable old-growth forest community.

2. Route Overview

Trailhead Location: Avalanche Creek Area, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana (GPS: 48.6825, -113.8181) Parking: Large paved parking area with restrooms and picnic facilities. Can fill during peak summer season—arrive early for guaranteed space.

Trail Breakdown

  • Miles 0-0.4: Elevated boardwalk through ancient cedar grove with interpretive signs explaining forest ecology

  • Miles 0.4-0.8: Loop completion through diverse forest sections showcasing different old-growth tree species and understory plants

Navigation Notes: Completely accessible elevated boardwalk with interpretive signage throughout route. No navigation challenges with obvious loop route returning to parking area. Suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and all mobility levels.

3. Trail Wisdom

What to Expect

  • Terrain: Elevated wooden boardwalk providing easy walking surface above forest floor throughout entire route

  • Crowds: Very popular destination during peak park season—expect significant crowds especially midday during summer

  • Forest Cathedral: Towering ancient trees creating dramatic vertical forest architecture with filtered sunlight

  • Accessibility: Completely barrier-free trail suitable for all ages and mobility levels including wheelchair users

Trail Conditions by Season

  • Spring (May-June): Trail opens with snowmelt—cool temperatures with emerging forest understory vegetation

  • Summer (July-August): Peak season with warm temperatures and maximum crowds. Lush forest at peak growing season.

  • Fall (September-October): Cooler temperatures with fall colors and reduced crowds before seasonal road closures

  • Winter (November-April): Trail inaccessible due to Going-to-the-Sun Road winter closure and heavy snow

4. Gear Essentials

The Non-Negotiables

  • Comfortable Walking Shoes: Easy boardwalk surface requires minimal footwear but good grip helpful on potentially wet wooden surfaces

  • Camera: Exceptional old-growth forest photography opportunities with dramatic vertical compositions

  • Light Jacket: Forest canopy creates significantly cooler microclimate even during warm Montana summer weather

  • Water Bottle: Adequate hydration even for short walk, especially at Montana mountain elevation

Pack Smart Additions

  • Binoculars: Wildlife viewing opportunities in diverse old-growth forest ecosystem

  • Field Guide: Tree identification guides enhance understanding of rare inland temperate rainforest species

  • Snacks: Energy food for extended forest appreciation and photography sessions

  • Rain Gear: Mountain weather changes quickly and forest environment retains moisture

What to Leave Behind

  • Heavy Hiking Gear: Easy accessible trail requires minimal equipment—focus on comfort and forest appreciation

  • Unnecessary Electronics: Quiet forest environment ideal for natural sound appreciation and contemplation

  • Bright Clothing: Neutral colors better for wildlife observation in forest setting

5. The Sensory Experience

What You'll See

Ancient Forest Giants: Massive western red cedars and western hemlocks over 500 years old creating spectacular vertical forest architecture Forest Understory: Rich diversity of ferns, mosses, and shade-adapted plants thriving in cool, moist forest conditions Avalanche Creek: Clear mountain stream flowing through forest with occasional glimpses through tree canopy Filtered Sunlight: Cathedral-like lighting effects as sunbeams penetrate ancient forest canopy creating dramatic illumination

What You'll Hear

Forest Sounds: Montana mountain birds including varied thrushes, winter wrens, and Pacific Northwest forest species Water Features: Gentle sounds of Avalanche Creek flowing through forest, occasional dripping from forest canopy Natural Acoustics: Hushed forest atmosphere with sound dampening effects from massive tree trunks and soft forest floor

What You'll Smell

Old-Growth Forest: Rich, earthy scents from decomposing organic matter, cedar and hemlock aromatics Moist Environment: Cool, humid air characteristic of temperate rainforest with moss and fern fragrances Mountain Freshness: Clean Montana mountain air filtered through ancient forest ecosystem

Wildlife Behavior by Season

Spring: Migratory birds arriving in forest habitat, black bears emerging from winter dens, emerging small mammal activity Summer: Peak bird nesting activity with diverse species adapted to old-growth forest, frequent chipmunk and squirrel sightings Fall: Bird migration through mountain corridors, deer activity in forest clearings, bears preparing for winter Winter: Trail inaccessible but hardy mountain species adapted to severe conditions shelter in forest protection

Photographer's Notes

  • Forest Cathedral: Vertical compositions capturing towering trees and forest canopy architecture with dramatic scale

  • Filtered Light: Capture sunbeam effects penetrating forest canopy with backlighting techniques

  • Detail Shots: Close-up photography of ancient bark textures, moss formations, and understory vegetation

  • Boardwalk Integration: Show accessible trail design harmoniously integrated with pristine forest environment

6. The Overnight Extension

Why Stay Longer

Glacier National Park offers extensive outdoor recreation and Montana wilderness experiences worth exploring beyond single trail.

Lodging Options: Apgar and West Glacier areas provide park lodging and camping. Kalispell and Whitefish offer additional accommodations outside park. Additional Activities: Going-to-the-Sun Road scenic driving, additional park hiking trails, Lake McDonald recreation, ranger programs. Extended Routes: Access to extensive Glacier National Park trail network including longer wilderness hiking opportunities and backcountry exploration.

7. Real Talk

The Challenging Bits

  • Crowd Management: Extremely popular accessible trail creates bottlenecks especially during peak park visitation

  • Limited Duration: Very short trail may not satisfy those seeking longer hiking experiences

  • Weather Dependency: Mountain weather changes quickly—sudden rain can make boardwalk slippery

  • Seasonal Access: Going-to-the-Sun Road closure limits trail access to short summer season only

Pro Tips from the Trail

  • Early Morning Optimal: Visit at sunrise for peaceful forest experience and excellent photography light

  • Extend Your Experience: Combine with nearby Avalanche Lake Trail for longer hiking adventure

  • Respect Quiet Atmosphere: Forest environment benefits from hushed voices and mindful behavior

  • Check Road Status: Going-to-the-Sun Road conditions affect trail access—verify opening before visiting

8. Getting There & Getting Home

Nearest Towns: West Glacier (10 minutes) offers park services and basic amenities. Kalispell (30 minutes) and Whitefish (25 minutes) provide full services including lodging and restaurants. Trailhead Access: From West Glacier, follow Going-to-the-Sun Road east to Avalanche Creek area. Road conditions determine seasonal accessibility. Post-Hike Options: West Glacier offers park-related dining and services. Whitefish provides mountain town atmosphere with excellent restaurants and breweries.

9. Leave No Trace Specifics

Glacier National Park protects irreplaceable wilderness ecosystem requiring exceptional visitor stewardship and respect.

  • Stay on Boardwalk: Elevated walkway protects extremely fragile forest floor—never leave designated surface

  • Respect Ancient Trees: Do not touch or disturb old-growth trees—human contact can damage ancient bark and root systems

  • Pack Out Everything: Pristine wilderness environment requires carrying out all waste materials

  • Quiet Observation: Minimize noise to protect wildlife and enhance experience for other visitors

10. The Bottom Line

Who This Trail Is For: Anyone wanting to experience Montana's crown jewel ancient forest ecosystem. Families seeking accessible outdoor education in pristine wilderness. Photographers wanting unique old-growth forest subjects. Visitors of all mobility levels seeking Glacier National Park experience.

Who Should Skip It: Those seeking challenging physical hiking experiences. People wanting long-distance trail adventures. Hikers uncomfortable with crowds during peak park season. Anyone seeking undiscovered or remote wilderness experiences.

One Last Thing: Trail of the Cedars provides unparalleled access to one of North America's rarest and most spectacular forest ecosystems—offering the chance to walk among 500-year-old giants while experiencing the pristine wilderness that makes Glacier National Park a crown jewel of America's national park system.

Quick Reference Card

Distance: 0.8 miles loop Elevation Gain: Minimal (less than 50 feet) Time: 30-45 minutes Difficulty: Easy Best Months: June-September Permits: Park entrance fee required Dogs Allowed: No Water Available: Yes, at parking area

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Trail conditions and Glacier National Park regulations may change. Check National Park Service website for current Going-to-the-Sun Road status and seasonal accessibility.

Matt Brown
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