Best Lakes in Glacier National Park Guide
Last updated September 5, 2026 How we research
Which of Glacier's 700+ lakes fit your trip — ranked by access, hike quality, wildlife, and photography, with the parking and shuttle logistics that actually decide your day.
Lake McDonald — West side · Apgar
Best first stop
Glacier's largest lake, famous colorful pebbles, and a shoreline two minutes from your car.
- Open year-round — even when Going-to-the-Sun Road closes
- Free parking at Apgar Village, 5 miles from West Glacier
- Boat rentals run seasonally at Lake McDonald Lodge
- Summer weekends: arrive before 11 a.m. for front-row parking
Swimming is doable but bracing — the water stays glacier-cold even in July. Late morning brings soft reflected light that makes this the easiest photo stop in the park.
Iceberg Lake — Many Glacier
Signature hike
Icebergs floating in turquoise water into mid-summer — Glacier's signature payoff hike.
- Icebergs usually linger through July on slow melt years — gone by September
- Gentle climb through meadows along Swiftcurrent Lake's north shore
- Final approach is steep and rocky — not technical, but watch your footing
- Trailhead parking fills by 8 a.m.; free lot + shuttle at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
For the dramatic iceberg photos, aim for late June or early July while the melt is still underway.
Grinnell Glacier Lakes — Many Glacier
Best effort-to-reward
Three stacked turquoise lakes on the climb to the glacier — the upper basin outshines the terminus.
- Lower, Middle, and Upper Grinnell Lakes stack along one trail
- Most hikers turn around at Upper Grinnell Lake (7 mi, 1,600 ft) — and it's the better destination
- Same trailhead logistics as Iceberg: arrive before sunrise on weekends
In our opinion the upper lake beats the glacier itself — basin views, water color, and solitude justify every foot of the climb.
Hidden Lake — Logan Pass
Best photography
Near-guaranteed mountain goats and a hanging-valley overlook — Glacier's most famous short hike.
- Goats graze the meadows all summer — keep 25 yards, never split a nanny from kids
- Early July = peak wildflowers alongside peak goat activity
- Beat the 3-hour timed parking: before 7 a.m., after 6 p.m., or ride the shuttle
- Overlook views the basin — the trail doesn't drop to the lake itself
Before 9 a.m. you'll share the trail with fewer people and calmer wildlife.
Two Medicine Lake — East side · Two Medicine Valley
Best for wildlife
Many Glacier views without Many Glacier crowds — goats, 9,000-foot peaks, and a boat shuttle.
- Reliable goat spotting with far fewer visitors than Many Glacier
- Boat shuttle across the lake shortcuts backcountry hikes by 5+ miles
- Shore access without strenuous climbing
- Mornings and dusk are prime wildlife hours — bring binoculars
Bowman & Kintla Lakes — Northwest · North Fork
Best for solitude
The quiet ones — long gravel roads keep the crowds away from Glacier's backcountry-flavored lakes.
- Far fewer visitors than any Going-to-the-Sun Road lake
- Full-day hiking and backcountry camping options
- Plan it as its own day — access roads are slow going
Common Questions
Can you swim in Glacier's lakes?
You can, but they're glacier-fed and cold enough for real hypothermia risk even in July. Lake McDonald on a warm mid-summer day is the most comfortable option.
When is the best time to visit the lakes?
July–August for full access and warm weather (and crowds); early June for lighter crowds but no shuttle; September for sharply fewer people and peak wildlife activity.
Do I need reservations?
No entry reservation in 2026 — but Logan Pass shuttle tickets are required through Recreation.gov, and Logan Pass parking is limited to 3 hours July 1–September 7.
Can you fish the backcountry lakes?
Catch-and-release fishing is allowed with a Montana fishing license; some lakes are closed to protect fish populations.
Which Glacier National Park does this guide cover?
This guide covers Glacier National Park in Montana, United States. Canadian searches usually refer to Glacier National Park in British Columbia, which is a different park.
What lakes are in Glacier National Park, Canada?
Glacier National Park in British Columbia is separate from Montana's Glacier National Park and has its own lakes, roads, trails, and visitor rules.
