About This Route
This classic intermediate loop explores the Trail of the Cedars boardwalk extended to Avalanche Lake via snowshoe, offering 5-7 miles of ancient hemlock groves and glacial cirque views. Start at the NPS plowed lot near Lake McDonald Lodge; gain 700 feet to the lake's moraine. Boardwalks may be icy, but off-trail snowshoeing reveals hidden waterfalls frozen in place. NPS lists this as a top winter route; prime snow from late December to March. Respect closures and obtain backcountry permits for overnights.
Safety Considerations
Unmarked beyond boardwalk; arm with CalTopo app and NPS topo maps. Dense forest hides tree wells, a leading winter injury cause per REI reports. Creek crossings demand probing for ice thickness. Moderate avalanche terrain above lake; consult MT Avalanche Center bulletins. Variable snow: wind slab near passes. Grizzly bears den nearby; carry bear spray February-May. Combat altitude sickness with acclimation and electrolytes.
Essential Gear
DMS Hyperlite snowshoes for deep powder, Leki trigger poles. Merino wool base (Smartwool), Montbell parka. Include snow claws, whistle, emergency bivvy, and offline AllTrails maps.
Emergency Tips
Tree well fall: roll to edge, yell for help. Icy boardwalk slip: microspikes and slow side-step. Lost: build snow cave, PLB activation toward Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor.