Screaming Cat and Iceberg Lake Loop

Screaming Cat and Iceberg Lake Loop in Whistler is a big day out: 20.1 km, 1221 m of gain, and a solid 7–8 hours on your feet. It’s rated difficult for a reason, but if you like long alpine days with a mix of forest, waterfalls, and high-country views, this loop delivers. You’ll see far fewer people than on the standard Iceberg Lake out-and-back, especially on the Screaming Cat side.

Most hikers tackle the Screaming Cat and Iceberg Lake Loop clockwise from Whistler, climbing steadily on a well-built trail toward Iceberg Lake. The grade is consistent rather than brutal, with lots of waterfalls, benches, and water sources to break things up, then a long stretch in open alpine with big views and little shade. Past Iceberg, the traverse toward Screaming Cat Lake gets rougher, more grown-in, and more technical, with some sections that feel more like a route than a trail, but it stays quiet and has some good vantage points along the way.

Recent reports say the Screaming Cat side is overgrown, poorly marked, and just not as scenic, so if you mainly want Iceberg Lake, consider the direct out-and-back instead of the full loop. Expect lingering snow on the upper sections well into early summer; snowshoes or at least solid traction are often needed, and travel times can be much longer than the average. Bugs range from mild to intense around the lakes, so bring spray, and keep in mind there’s bike traffic near the bottom on the Screaming Cat exit. Best conditions for this Whistler loop are usually August to September, when snow is mostly gone and the lakes are fully open.