Glacier National Park: Lincoln Lake via Lincoln Lake Trail
Trek to the shores of Lincoln Lake, a picturesque pool surrounded by ragged peaks, on this 16.7-mile hike in Glacier National Park.
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Spend the night at a backcountry lake rimmed by wall of peaks on this 16.7-mile out-and-back. From the signed trailhead next to Going to the Sun Road, follow Lincoln Lake Trail to the south. Almost immediately, the trail starts a steep climb through forest to Snyder Ridge. At mile 1.7, crest Snyder Ridge, then continue straight at the 4-way junction.
The climb eases slightly over the next 1.3 miles as the trail winds to the east toward the Lincoln Creek valley; look through the trees for intermittent views of the Flathead Range to the south. Three miles in, the trail begins a 2.6-mile descent to Lincoln Creek, then travels northeast along the valley floor. After 8.3 miles, the trail reaches the southern tip of Lincoln Lake, which is sits at the foot of a rugged cirque. Beaver Chief Falls plunges down the headwall to the northeast. Set up camp at Lincoln Lake Campground or turn around and backtrack to the trailhead.
PERMIT: Overnight camping in Glacier National Park requires a backcountry permit. Check out the latest fees and more details at nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.
MORE PARK INFO: Glacier National Park, (406) 888-7800; nps.gov/glac/.
-GPS data provided by the National Park Service
Trail Facts
- Distance: 26.9
Waypoints
LLT001
Location: 48.59939, -113.887576
From the signed trailhead next to Going to the Sun Road, follow Lincoln Lake Trail to the south. Prepare for a steep climb through forest to Snyder Ridge.
LLT002
Location: 48.58071, -113.876361
The trail crests Snyder Ridge. Continue straight @ 4-way junction. Ahead: The climb eases slightly; look through the trees for intermittent views of the Flathead Range to the south.
LLT003
Location: 48.575038, -113.857949
The trail begins a 2.6-mile descent to Lincoln Creek.
LLT004
Location: 48.573067, -113.839676
The trail skirts a marshy area on the right as it descends to Lincoln Creek.
LLT005
Location: 48.570163, -113.83268
Turn left @ T-junction and head northeast up the valley.
LLT006
Location: 48.572143, -113.826798
Cross a creek and continue heading northeast along the valley floor.
LLT007
Location: 48.58915, -113.77572
Lincoln Lake: The trail ends at the southern tip of Lincoln Lake. Drop your pack and savor breathtaking views of the rugged cirque that surrounds three sides of the lake. Beaver Chief Falls plunges down the headwall to the northeast. Set up camp at Lincoln Lake Campground or turn around and return to the trailhead.
