The Glacier Experience: Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake

Day 3: Ptarmigan Tunnel (passing Ptarmigan Falls and Ptarmigan Lake) AND Iceberg Lake

Favorite View: Coming out on the other side of the tunnel was a surreal experience. I stood there, took it all in and said out loud "Wow, this is awesome!" The view was all mine for nearly half an hour until another hiker joined me. It was so quiet that the only thing that could be heard were the sound of my footsteps, walking down the trail to see Old Sun Glacier.

The view on the other side wasn't that bad either...

Lesson learned: Mental toughness

The trip to Ptgarmigan Tunnel was strenuous. On the way down, I reached the junction for Iceberg Lake. Left would take me back to the trailhead, right would add close to five more miles onto the trip, but come with a view of Iceberg Lake. I turned right, promising myself a reward (coffee and donut holes) for the additional effort, but the view alone was worth it.

This was my favorite hike. The trip to the tunnel had stops at Ptarmigan Falls and Ptarmigan Lake, which broke up things nicely. It made the additional, afternoon walk over to Iceberg Lake feel relatively flat and easy. The Lake was a cool 38 degrees and had considerably more ice in it than the last time I visited, but that didn't stop people from jumping in for a swim.