Lake Five
Glacial lake with cold, clear water; dock views at Paul’s Memorial—glacial history in view.
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The full road crossing depends on seasonal access—even in summer.
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Park at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access
Bring bear spray
Golden hour sunsets from the lakeshore
Bear spray recommended; water is cold year-round; jet skis not permitted; 200-foot no-wake zone near docks; Montana fishing license required for ages over 12;…
Natural Attraction
Calm water mirrors Glacier peaks from the Paul’s Memorial dock. Forested shoreline frames a basin that hints at a glacial past. Lake Five is a glacial lake formed by ice-carved basins and moraine damming, with water that stays cold and clear.
MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP
Is this stop worth your time?
Why go
- What Youll See
- Calm, cold water; forested shoreline; views of Glacier peaks from the dock; stocked Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout; mule deer and marmots in the vicinity
- Unique Characteristics
- Environmental bellwether: cold, clear water with low plankton; highly sensitive to pollutants
When to go
- Best Visit Times
- Weekdays in the shoulder seasons; early morning light preferred to avoid crowds
- Seasonal Access
- Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access open year-round; Lake Five Resort open spring through fall
Getting there and doing it
- How To Get There
- From Whitefish, MT, drive east on US-2, then turn onto Lake Five Road and follow it to Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access. The viewing dock at Paul’s Memorial gives lakefront views, and the Lake Five Resort sits on the shore. The lake’s coordinates are 48°29′N 113°59′W. Public access to the lake is via Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access and requires a Montana Conservation Pass or a valid hunting or fishing license. Parking is available at Lake Five Resort and at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; specific capacity isn’t published, and parking can be tight during peak Glacier National Park periods.
- Parking Availability
- Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access parking; Lake Five Resort parking for guests
Getting there & parking
- Distance From Entrance
- Drive-up via Lake Five Road off U.S. Highway 2; Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access is the primary entry point
- Road Type
- Rural paved access to parking areas; Lake Five Road is a standard rural route
- GPS Coordinates
- 48°29′N 113°59′W
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Spring through fall; golden hour sunsets from the lakeshore; Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access is year-round.
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Golden hour sunsets from the lakeshore
- Best Season
- Spring through fall
- Busiest Season
- Summer
- Road Opening Dates
- Lake Five Resort open May 19–October 15
- Winter Access
- Lake Five Road and Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access available year-round; winter conditions vary; plan for snow
- Weather Patterns
- Mountain weather with rapid changes; afternoon thunderstorms possible; fire restrictions in dry seasons
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Glacial Lake
- Main Features
- Glacially influenced freshwater lake; 151.8 acres; deepest point 62 ft; elevation 3,257 ft; viewing dock at Paul’s Memorial
- Photo Opportunities
- Golden hour sunsets from the lakeshore; dock vantage with mountain backdrop; lakefront cabins at the resort
- Photography Spots
- Dock at Paul’s Memorial; Lake Five Resort lakefront; shorelines at sunset
- Best Viewpoints
- Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access dock; Lake Five Resort lakefront
- Common Wildlife
- Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout stocked; mule deer, marmots, varied birds; bears frequent nearby areas
- Best Wildlife Times
- Spring through fall for broader wildlife activity; bear presence in surrounding Glacier areas
- Geological Formation Type
- Glacial lake (basin carved by ice, dammed by moraines)
- Scientific Interest
- Environmental bellwether: cold, clear water with low plankton; pollutant sensitivity
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Varies; fishing licenses required for anglers; no general entry fee noted for lake viewing
- Permits Required
- No
- Restrooms Available
- Yes
- Restroom Type
- Vault toilets at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; flush restrooms at Lake Five Resort
- Picnic Areas
- No
- Water Available
- Yes
- Cell Service
- Limited/intermittent
- Interpretive Signs
- No
- Accessibility
- Partial; viewing via Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five itself not detailed
- Accessibility Level
- Partial access via Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five itself has no named trailheads
- Nearby Services
- Nearest groceries in Whitefish; Lake Five Resort services; Paul’s Memorial facilities
- Nearby Facilities
- Paul's Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five Resort; Whitefish amenities nearby
- Family Friendly Notes
- Bear spray recommended; keep children close to water; vault toilets available
Safety
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald, Flathead River, Flathead National Forest
- Connecting Trails
- Nearby Glacier National Park trails; no direct Lake Five water-to-trail link
- Trailheads Here
- No designated Lake Five trailheads; near Glacier National Park's broader trail network
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- Park at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access
- Bring bear spray
- Sunset views are dramatic from the lakeshore
- Tips Advice
- Park at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access for dock-side viewing
- Carry bear spray and stay alert to wildlife
- Dress in layers; water is cold year-round
- Check access at Lake Five Resort for seasonal openings
More details
- Park Area
- Glacier National Park
- Elevation Feet
- 3257.04
- Visitor Center Present
- No
- Guided Tours Available
- No
- Lake Size
- 151.8 acres (61.43 hectares)
- Fishing Species
- Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, perch, bluegill
- Fishing Nearby
- Yes
- Swimming Allowed
- No
- Boating Allowed
- Yes
- Climbing Areas
- No
- Review Summary
- 4.8 stars from 19 reviews. Visitors describe Lake Five as a crisp, quiet lake with a reliable dock vantage and easy access via Paul’s Memorial. The water’s clarity and the surrounding glacier-derived landscape make it a meaningful, low-friction stop, with safety and licensing considerations shaping the visit.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to drive all the way to Paul's Memorial Fishing Access just for Lake Five?
Yes—Paul’s Memorial provides the primary dock-view and access point for Lake Five. The dock sightline captures the lake’s cold, clear water and alpine backdrop, and the nearby resort offers facilities and lodging for extended visits.
Is it worth visiting if there aren’t direct trails to the water?
Yes. The dock at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access delivers a strong geological and scenic read: a glacially shaped basin with mountain silhouettes. You’ll still be in Glacier’s footprint, with nearby trails and viewpoints in reach.
Can I fish without a license, or do I need one?
A Montana Fishing License is required for anyone over 12 to fish Lake Five; obtain it before casting. The lake hosts kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, with other species present in the broader area.
Will bears make it unsafe to visit?
Bear spray is recommended and maintain distance from wildlife. Stay on designated access areas; store food properly and keep children close, especially near water and forest edges.
Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?
The water here is cold and clear; color varies with light and depth, not a constant blue hue but reflective of the pristine alpine setting.
More at Glacier National Park
Pyramid Peak
Granite peak sharpened by glacial ice; scrambling to Pyramid Peak from Pyramid Pass.
Grace Lake
Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.
Rising Sun Picnic Area
Pizza with a crispy crust and handmade sauce; big views over St. Mary Lake.
Two Medicine Picnic Area
Huckleberry Shake owns the menu; pancakes arrive in colossal portions.
Monument Falls
215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.
Lake McDonald
A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.
Sources
- usgs.gov
- nps.gov
- wikipedia.org
- mt.gov
- wanderlog.com
- lakefiveresort.com
- thedyrt.com
- recreation.gov
- travelandleisure.com
- glacier.org
- glaciernationalparklodges.com
- saltandstoneadventurephoto.com
- backroadplanet.com
- expedia.com
- npshistory.com
- opengeology.org
- lake-link.com
- visitmt.com
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.