It's hard to go wrong when looking for a satisfying hike in Montana, but Trail of the Cedars gives you a particular bang for your exercise buck. The 0.9-mile loop hike located near Lake McDonald features a rushing river, scenic mountains, and a secret waterfall, all for the price of a walk that's just under a full mile.
This trail is part of Glacier National Park, an extensive wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains. Boasting glacier-carved peaks and rich valleys, it's a visual feast.
Some stretches of the trail feature a raised boardwalk to traverse and the trek has been rated easy and accessible to most all skill levels.
Some hikers have mentioned that the trail is wheelchair accessible and may be one of the best ways for a wheelchair user to enjoy Glacier National Park.
The path is dubbed Trail of the Cedars because of the giant cedar trees lining it. Some of the visible cedars can reach over 80 feet tall.
The red cedar and black cottonwood trees have been able to thrive and grow to such heights because the region has been lucky to avoid fires and avalanches for hundreds of years.
In a way it's like walking through a time capsule, imagining all that these trees have seen.
On the way along the hike, you'll spot Avalanche Gorge, a rushing waterfall coming through a glacier-carved gorge in the forest.
You can enjoy the view from a well-built footbridge crossing the waterfall on the Trail of the Cedars.
You'll also find Avalanche Lake on your journey along the trails. Bordered by stunning mountains, the lake provides a picture-perfect spot to rest.
Whether you kick things off on this light trail or use it as a way to cool down after a week of adventuring, the Trail of the Cedars is a visually powerful hiking experience.
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