Avalanche Lake Falls

At the far shore of glacial Avalanche Lake, multiple waterfalls streak hundreds of feet down sheer rock walls in silvery threads fed by the melting remains of Sperry Glacier above. The cascades plunge into water so clear and cold it glows jade green, with the towering cirque walls forming a natural amphitheater of raw stone and mist. Monument Falls, the tallest of the group, is a named cascade, but it is the collective effect of a half-dozen simultaneous waterfalls that makes this spot extraordinary.

The trail climbs 2.3 miles from the Avalanche Creek Gorge trailhead, gaining about 750 feet through an ancient cedar-hemlock forest draped in moss. The first portion follows the Trail of the Cedars boardwalk — wheelchair-accessible and worth a visit on its own — before the path steepens into proper mountain hiking. The forest canopy keeps the trail cool even on hot days, and the sound of Avalanche Creek provides constant company.

July and August offer the best combination of snow-free trails and active waterfalls. A Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservation is required during peak season. Arrive before 8 AM to secure parking at the trailhead — it fills daily by mid-morning in summer. Grizzly bears frequent this area; carry bear spray and make noise.