a very rewarding hike up to the Ptarmigan Tunnel in Glacier National Park
This is a favorite hike of mine that I have done a few times. The trailhead is located behind the cabins at the Swiftcurrent Motel area. Please consult with the rangers or the front desk at the motel (closure maps) since this trail is frequently closed due to bears. I have hiked the trail when it was recently opened, but with a bear frequenting sign and I yelled all the way to the end and back.
You start getting elevation immediately and entering a forested area, but still with nice views, until you get into a dense forest area and arrive at a T intersection. You continue on, you will hike to Iceberg Lake. I do not recommend that in the morning, the light does not hit the lake and it looks ugly. I prefer to hike to the lake on the way back from the tunnel.
So, take the right on the T and keep getting elevation. Make noise, this is the area where bears frequent. You will eventually see the lake to your right. I was lucky one time to see these dude crossing the trail into the lake.
You then see what is ahead of you, three long ass switchbacks to get to the tunnel. They look scary long, but when you get tired, just pretend you are taking a pic of the lake below:
Enter the tunnel and then enjoy one of the best views in the park:
I highly recommend that you keep hiking for half a mile and enjoy views that will reveal themselves to your left.
Iceberg Lake
Now it is the time to turn around and hike to Iceberg Lake.
Iceberg Lake is a small lake, but it is beautiful !!!!
If you go early in the season, the lake will be full of ice and I have seen crazy people swim to the ice and them jump off them. I have no clue how they stand the cold, I put my feet on the water and within 10 seconds they are frozen. Just pick a spot on the shore and enjoy the view and the people.
