Lake Five

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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Type

Glacial Lake

Accessibility

Partial access via Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five itself has no named trailheads

Best Season

Spring through fall

Busiest Season

Summer

Features

Glacially influenced freshwater lake; 151.8 acres; deepest point 62 ft; elevation 3,257 ft; viewing dock at Paul’s Memorial

Elevation

3,257 ft

Overview

About This 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.

Quick Facts

Type

Glacial Lake

Elevation

3,257 ft

Access

Partial access via Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five itself has no named trailheads

Main Features

Glacially influenced freshwater lake; 151.8 acres; deepest point 62 ft; elevation 3,257 ft; viewing dock at Paul’s Memorial

What You'll 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

What Makes It Special

Environmental bellwether: cold, clear water with low plankton; highly sensitive to pollutants

Best Time to Visit

Spring through fall; golden hour sunsets from the lakeshore; Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access is year-round.

Safety Considerations

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; cell service limited

Visitor Tips

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

Details

Location & Features

Type: Glacial Lake

Elevation: 3,257 ft

Distance from Entrance: Drive-up via Lake Five Road off U.S. Highway 2; Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access is the primary entry point

GPS: 48°29′N 113°59′W

What Makes It Unique:

Environmental bellwether: cold, clear water with low plankton; highly sensitive to pollutants

Water Feature Details

Size: 151.8 acres (61.43 hectares)

Fish Species: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, perch, bluegill

Geology

Formation Type: Glacial lake (basin carved by ice, dammed by moraines)

Scientific Interest:

Environmental bellwether: cold, clear water with low plankton; pollutant sensitivity

Getting There

Directions:

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.

Access Type: Partial access via Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five itself has no named trailheads

Road: Rural paved access to parking areas; Lake Five Road is a standard rural route

Seasonal Access: Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access open year-round; Lake Five Resort open spring through fall

Parking: Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access parking; Lake Five Resort parking for guests

Entry Fees: Varies; fishing licenses required for anglers; no general entry fee noted for lake viewing

Trails

Trailheads Here:

No designated Lake Five trailheads; near Glacier National Park's broader trail network

Connecting Trails:

Nearby Glacier National Park trails; no direct Lake Five water-to-trail link

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access dock; Lake Five Resort lakefront

Photo Opportunities:

Golden hour sunsets from the lakeshore; dock vantage with mountain backdrop; lakefront cabins at the resort

Best Photo Spots:

Dock at Paul’s Memorial; Lake Five Resort lakefront; shorelines at sunset

Sunrise/Sunset: Golden hour sunsets from the lakeshore

Facilities

Restrooms (Vault toilets at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; flush restrooms at Lake Five Resort)
Potable Water

Cell Service: Limited/intermittent

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout stocked; mule deer, marmots, varied birds; bears frequent nearby areas

Best Wildlife Viewing: Spring through fall for broader wildlife activity; bear presence in surrounding Glacier areas

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Spring through fall

Best Times: Weekdays in the shoulder seasons; early morning light preferred to avoid crowds

Road Opens: Lake Five Resort open May 19–October 15

Busiest: Summer

Winter Access: Lake Five Road and Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access available year-round; winter conditions vary; plan for snow

Weather:

Mountain weather with rapid changes; afternoon thunderstorms possible; fire restrictions in dry seasons

Activities

Fishing (Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, perch, bluegill)
Boating Allowed

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald, Flathead River, Flathead National Forest

Nearby Services:

Nearest groceries in Whitefish; Lake Five Resort services; Paul’s Memorial facilities

Insider Tips

Park at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access
Bring bear spray
Sunset views are dramatic from the lakeshore

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Partial; viewing via Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five itself not detailed

Family Friendly:

Bear spray recommended; keep children close to water; vault toilets available

Nearby Facilities:

Paul's Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five Resort; Whitefish amenities nearby

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.8 /5

Based on 19 Google reviews

Based on 19 guest reviews

" 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."

Reviews from Google

Small lake wrapped in beautiful mountains. Quiet area just off the main road.

Perfect lake to SUP on.

Pros: Nice lake. Cons: Not a *public lake. *Public access at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access, but must have Montana Conservation Pass or hunting/fishing license to use.

Showing 3 of 19 reviews

FAQs

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?

Can I fish without a license, or do I need one?

Will bears make it unsafe to visit?

Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?