Cracker Lake

The Glacier lake most people never get to see. If you’re obsessed with blue water, this one belongs at the top of the list.

The unreal turquoise comes from tiny rock particles in the water — that bright, almost opaque glow. We’ve hiked and backpacked this trail multiple times and it’s still one of our favorites. On one trip we spotted a bull moose, a cow moose, and her calf along the trail.

Despite the mileage, the hike is surprisingly gentle. It never feels as hard as the distance suggests.

The Deets

• 12.8 miles round trip
• 1,700 ft elevation gain
• Plan 5–7 hours