The Trail of the Cedars is one of the few truly flat walks in Glacier National Park — a paved boardwalk loop that winds through a cathedral-like grove of ancient western red cedars and black cottonwood trees, some exceeding 500 years in age. It's the park's most accessible trail, rated easy and fully wheelchair accessible.
The trail loops through the forest alongside Avalanche Creek and crosses a suspension bridge over Avalanche Gorge — a narrow slot canyon carved by centuries of glacial meltwater. The turquoise water churning through the gorge is one of the most photogenic spots in the entire park.
Trail tip: The Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail share the same trailhead at Avalanche Creek. If you want to do both, start with the Cedars (flat, great warmup) then continue to Avalanche Lake. Total: about 3 hours.
What to Expect
The loop is almost entirely boardwalk or paved surface. There are a few very minor inclines near the gorge viewpoint, but nothing that challenges a wheelchair or stroller. The forest is dense and shaded — noticeably cooler than open trail sections, making this an excellent choice on hot summer days.
Western red cedar (the dominant species here) creates a microclimate distinct from the rest of the park. The moisture-loving ecosystem includes lush ferns, devil's club and moss-covered boulders. You're much more likely to see birds and small mammals in this section than on the exposed upper trails.
Avalanche Gorge is the scenic highlight — the creek drops through polished red argillite walls into a series of swirling pools. The water color shifts from white foam to deep jade depending on angle and time of day. The suspension bridge gives a direct overhead view.
Trailhead & Parking
The trailhead is at the Avalanche Creek parking area on Going-to-the-Sun Road, approximately 16 miles east of the West Glacier entrance and 5 miles east of Lake McDonald Lodge.
The parking lot is small (roughly 50 cars) and typically fills by 8:30 am on peak summer days. The strongly recommended approach is to park at Apgar Village and take the free NPS shuttle to Avalanche Creek — it runs every 15–30 minutes during summer and drops you directly at the trailhead. Parking & shuttle guide →
Accessibility
- Fully paved boardwalk surface throughout
- Wheelchair accessible for standard manual and power wheelchairs
- Accessible restrooms at the Avalanche Creek parking area
- The suspension bridge over Avalanche Gorge is wide enough for wheelchairs
- No steps or significant grade changes on the main loop
Best Time to Visit
The Trail of the Cedars is accessible from late May through October, and is one of the first trails to clear of snow each spring. The forest is greenest in June and July after snowmelt. Fall (late September–October) brings golden light through the canopy and very few other hikers. Avalanche Creek runs highest in May–June and slows significantly by August.
