Lake Blaine

+2 more

Type

Glacial Lake

Accessibility

Drive-up view with accessible paths

Best Season

Late June to early September

Busiest Season

Summer (June–August)

Features

Glacially carved basin amidst a mountain backdrop; 382.29-acre surface; 5.55-mile shoreline

Elevation

2,995 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

Water lies quiet and reflective, framed by rugged mountains. The lake sits in a bowl carved by ancient ice, with moraines and bedrock telling the story of glacial sculpting. This is a glacially formed landscape in the Glacier region.

Quick Facts

Type

Glacial Lake

Elevation

2,995 ft

Access

Drive-up view with accessible paths

Main Features

Glacially carved basin amidst a mountain backdrop; 382.29-acre surface; 5.55-mile shoreline

What You'll See

Lake Blaine, surrounding mountains, boat launches, and accessible paths

What Makes It Special

Located in Glacier National Park region with 1.6-billion-year-old rocks nearby and a history of glacial carving; easy drive-up access to a substantial alpine lake

Best Time to Visit

Late June to early September for warm weather and boating; weekdays offer fewer crowds; observe alpenglow at sunset.

Safety Considerations

Water is extremely cold; hypothermia can occur quickly. Bears are present—carry bear spray and keep distances; wear life jackets for water activities; stay on designated paths and boating areas

Visitor Tips

Weekdays offer quieter visits
Bring life jackets and bear spray
Boat launches operate in summer; check hours
Water is cold; dress for immersion

Details

Location & Features

Type: Glacial Lake

Elevation: 2,995 ft

Distance from Entrance: Not applicable

GPS: 48.2449° N, -114.11729° W

What Makes It Unique:

Located in Glacier National Park region with 1.6-billion-year-old rocks nearby and a history of glacial carving; easy drive-up access to a substantial alpine lake

Water Feature Details

Size: 382.29 acres (1.5 sq km)

Fish Species: Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Kokanee Salmon, Largescale Sucker, Longnose Sucker, Sunfish, Westslope Cutthroat Trout

Geology

Formation Type: Moraine

Scientific Interest:

Glacial history preserved in a modern alpine lake setting; ancient rocks nearby dating to 1.6 billion years

Getting There

Directions:

Drive to the designated day-use parking lot at Lake Blaine; nearby boat launches provide access to water activities.

Access Type: Drive-up view with accessible paths

Road: Paved

Seasonal Access: Open late spring to early fall; winter access limited

Parking: Parking in designated day-use parking lot

Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee

Trails

Trailheads Here:

No dedicated trailhead; accessible by road

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Shoreline viewpoints around the day-use area and near the boat launches

Photo Opportunities:

Sunrise and sunset reflections on the lake, mountain silhouettes, and forested shorelines

Best Photo Spots:

Shoreline vantage points and boat-launch areas offer strong compositions of water, mountains, and reflections

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow potential at sunset; sunrise yields soft light over peaks

Stargazing: Good on clear nights with dark skies away from town lights

Facilities

Restrooms (Unspecified)
Potable Water

Cell Service: Unreliable

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Kokanee Salmon, Largescale Sucker, Longnose Sucker, Sunfish, Westslope Cutthroat Trout; bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, deer; diverse birds

Best Wildlife Viewing: Early morning and late evening

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late June to early September

Best Times: Weekdays in summer; early morning or late afternoon for softer light and wildlife activity

Road Opens: Varies by year

Busiest: Summer (June–August)

Parking Fills: Varies; peak season includes June–August with higher parking demand

Snow Until: Varies; snow may linger into late spring

Winter Access: Limited; winter access varies

Weather:

Warm summers with potential afternoon glare; possible afternoon thunderstorms; cool nights

Activities

Fishing (Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Kokanee Salmon, Largescale Sucker, Longnose Sucker, Sunfish, Westslope Cutthroat Trout)
Boating Allowed

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Bigfork

Nearby Services:

Kalispell is about a 30-minute drive and has shops, groceries, restaurants, and services. Public boat launches and water access along Lake Blaine are nearby, making it convenient to start boating and other water activities without long travel.

Insider Tips

Weekdays offer quieter visits
Watch for changing wind conditions on the lake
Carry bear spray and keep a safe distance from wildlife
Check boat-launch hours and water level in bays

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Accessible paths from the parking area; drive-up access to the lake

Family Friendly:

Shorelines are exposed; supervise children near water; life jackets recommended for all on the water

Nearby Facilities:

Restrooms and showers available; potable water facilities present; parking lot for day use; boat launches nearby

Reviews

★★★☆☆

3.6 /5

Based on 18 Google reviews

Based on 18 guest reviews

" Lake Blaine is a sizable alpine lake reachable by car, with boating and open shoreline for day use. The setting carries Glacier National Park’s glacial-history character. Specific facilities at Lake Blaine aren’t documented; Glacier NP has accessible amenities in developed areas such as Lake McDonald. Expect higher crowds in July and August, and be aware that cell reception is limited in most park areas and water remains very cold even in summer."

Reviews from Google

Is there any public access to this lake? I would like to spend some time on the water with my 1 year old daughter on our paddle boats but don’t see a boat launch on the maps

Never a let down. Lake is small enough to not be so busy but big enough to feel like you have room to boat around and have enough room for anything. Even though it’s a public lake, there is no public access. So if you know someone with a house on the amazing lake, than you’re super lucky. Always a treat to come here.

Blessed to have been visited this Lake ♡♡ My best friends dad is building a dock for one of his customers and we got to go for a dip in this beautiful warm lake last June!!! One of my most favorite lake's in Montana!!!!

Showing 3 of 18 reviews

FAQs

Do I need a permit to boat on Lake Blaine?

No special boating permit is required for Lake Blaine; follow Glacier National Park boating regulations and ensure you have appropriate safety gear.

Is parking guaranteed during peak season?

Is it worth the drive from Kalispell for a lake day?

Is the water really cold, and should I swim?

Are there restrooms at Lake Blaine?

📖 topozone.com 📖 yournpguide.com 📖 mt.gov 📖 flatheadrealestate.com 📖 vrbo.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 lake-link.com 📖 saltandstoneadventurephoto.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 lake.com 📖 discoverkalispell.com 📖 rome2rio.com 📖 bchmt.org 📖 glacierparkcollection.com 📖 insideclimatenews.org 📖 reddit.com 📖 canada.ca ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Details

Location & Features

Water Feature Details

Geology

Getting There

Trails

Photography & Viewing

Facilities

Wildlife & Nature

Seasonal Information

Activities

Nearby

Insider Tips

Visitor Information

Location

Address & Directions

Proximity

Reviews

The YNPG Verdict

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Lake Blaine

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

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