Lincoln Lake Trail (Glacier National Park)

The 16.7-mile, out-and-back Lincoln Lake Trail in Glacier National Park brings you to the backcountry Lincoln Lake rimmed by a wall of peaks. While the 8-mile hike to the lake is heavily forested and not big on views the terminus is worth the haul. Spend the night under the stars at the Lincoln Lake backcountry campground and take in the beautiful views of the stunning 1,344-foot Beaver Chief Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Glacier. It’s important to note that this is a steep hike, gaining a couple thousand feet in elevation in under two miles, but those willing to push through the grueling steeps will be rewarded with a backcountry wow factor that not many people experience.

Trail Facts

• Distance: 16.7 miles out and back
• Elevation: 2,250 feet
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Permits: Yes. Overnight camping in Glacier National Park requires a backcountry permit.

The Route

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect along the rugged Lincoln Lake Trail.

Trailhead to Snyder Ridge

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—gaining 2,000 feet in under two miles—through forest to Snyder Ridge. At mile 1.7, crest Snyder Ridge, then continue straight at the 4-way junction.

Snyder Ridge to Lincoln Creek

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 skirting a marshy area on the way to Lincoln Creek. It then travels northeast along the valley floor.

Lincoln Creek to Lincoln Lake

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.