Top 17 Best Lakes in Glacier National Park Ranked

Glacier National Park lakes are very plentiful. There are so many in fact that most of them are not named. But what lakes in the park are the best? Here are the 17 best lakes in Glacier National Park, Montana.

1. Lake McDonald

Best Lake In Glacier National Park For All Around Fun

Lake McDonald, the grandest lake in Glacier National Park, offers easy access to all visitors.

This inviting location features a variety of attractions including boat tours, kayaking adventures, breathtaking sunrises, iconic lodging options, well-equipped campgrounds, invigorating hikes, vibrant rainbow rocks, and refreshing swimming opportunities.

With such an array of activities, Lake McDonald beckons to travelers and photographers alike, promising a blend of excitement, relaxation, and unparalleled beauty, all waiting to be explored and captured through the lens.

Moreover, the unique combination of recreational activities and natural aesthetics ensures that Lake McDonald is a destination that can cater to every interest, providing endless inspiration for those looking to both unwind and engage with the wild splendor of Glacier National Park.

2. Saint Mary Lake

Best Lake For Photography

St. Mary Lake is renowned for its stunning mountain setting, standing as the second-largest lake in the park.

Surrounded by towering mountains and featuring a small, charming island named Goose Island, the lake offers a unique and captivating beauty. Wild Goose Island, the outlook, is particularly famous, providing a panoramic view of this natural wonder.

Visiting St. Mary Lake is more than just a visual experience; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature in a profound way.

Making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to witness natural beauty at its finest, St. Mary Lake invites exploration, contemplation, and a deep appreciation for the wild and scenic landscapes that define the area.

3. Hidden Lake

Best Lake To Hike To In Glacier National Park

Starting at Logan Pass Visitor Center, the hike to Hidden Lake is stunning. The subalpine environment, rich with colorful wildflowers and iconic wildlife, creates a mesmerizing backdrop for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The boardwalk leading to Hidden Lake takes you to an overlook with a spectacular view, where the pristine waters meet the sky.

For the more adventurous, the trail continues further, right to the edge of the lake. Here, mighty peaks surround Hidden Lake, instilling a sense of seclusion and tranquility. If you’re feeling courageous and looking to fully immerse yourself in this wild setting, consider taking a swim in the cold, refreshing waters.

Such an experience at Hidden Lake is not merely visual; it’s an invitation to engage all your senses, creating memories that linger long after the visit.

4. Grinnell Lake

Best Glacier

Grinnell Lake stands as the supreme location to observe a glacier, with Grinnell Glacier melting directly into its waters, rendering it chillingly cold. The unique mineral composition gifts the water with a striking ice-blue tint, setting a captivating scene that awakens both awe and reverence.

Wildlife thrives along the hike to Grinnell Lake, adding to the visual feast. The playful dance of birds, the subtle movements of small mammals, and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze all combine to make the journey enchanting.

To enhance the experience further, huckleberries grow alongside the trail, offering a delightful treat. This combination of natural wonders, from the crisp air to the taste of wild berries, creates a rich tapestry of elements. Each aspect contributes to a photographic adventure that speaks volumes about the breathtaking beauty of our planet, forming a connection that resonates deep within the soul of every visitor.

5. Avalanche Lake

Best For Water Lovers

The hike to Avalanche Lake begins at Trail of the Cedars, where cedar trees astound visitors with their massive size, reaching 6 feet across and towering over a hundred feet tall.

Splitting off from Trail of the Cedars, the trail gently meanders along Avalanche Creek up to Avalanche Lake. Here, the sound of cascading waterfalls and rapids plays a symphony in nature, ensuring there’s never a dull moment during the hike.

Avalanche Lake itself presents a majestic view, with sloped mountain sides leading down into the lake and waterfalls gracing the slopes during the yearly melt-off. If water features excite you, this lake holds a promise of exhilaration.

Growing up near the Great Lakes, I can attest to this being a spectacular trail for everything water-related. The rhythm of water, combined with the serene surroundings, makes it more than just a destination; it’s a celebration of nature’s splendor, offering an experience that resonates with both the heart and the soul.

6. Swiftcurrent Lake

Best For Kayaking

Any lake in Glacier National Park offers the opportunity for kayaking, but Swiftcurrent Lake stands out as the best, largely due to its surroundings that resemble the Swiss Alps.

The peaks, seeming almost to shoot straight up from the ground, frame the lake with dramatic elegance. It’s a setting that feels both rugged and ethereal, capturing the essence of natural grandeur.

Adding to the enchantment of Swiftcurrent Lake is the Many Glacier Hotel, the cherry on top. This Swiss chalet-style hotel, perched on the edge of the lake, provides a stunning complement to the landscape.

Whether seen from the water or the shore, the hotel’s architecture blends with the scenery, enhancing the visual feast. Indeed, Swiftcurrent Lake offers not just a kayaking adventure but an immersion into a scene so picturesque that it feels almost like a fairy tale come to life.

7. Two Medicine Lake

Best For Relaxing

The Two Medicine Area of Glacier National Park remains relatively undiscovered by many, giving Two Medicine Lake a tranquil and unspoiled charm. It’s the perfect place to string up a hammock and unwind.

The serenity and isolation provide a chance to reconnect with nature, away from the crowds. It’s a locale that invites contemplation, relaxation, and perhaps some creative photography, capturing the undisturbed beauty of this hidden gem.

Additionally, the gentle sway of the hammock, paired with the soft sounds of nature, creates an atmosphere that rejuvenates both body and soul, making Two Medicine Lake an essential experience for those seeking solace and inspiration.

8. Iceberg Lake

Best Lake In Glacier National Park To See Bears

Bears love the huckleberries that grow along Iceberg Lake Trail. If seeing one of these magnificent beasts is on your bucket list, Iceberg Lake Trail is the path to take. Witnessing a bear in its natural habitat is an experience that can fill the heart with both wonder and respect.

The deep blue water of Iceberg Lake, surrounded by a wall of granite, gives a very secluded feeling. It’s almost as if Iceberg Lake is a world of its own, untouched and waiting for exploration. The sensation of isolation amidst nature’s grandeur can be a powerful and serene experience.

Wildflower meadows flank both sides of the trail leading up to the lake. The colors of these flowers are vibrant, especially off of the gray and blue backdrop. This vivid contrast creates a visual symphony that delights the eyes and enriches the soul, adding another layer of beauty to an already remarkable landscape.

9. Fishercap Lake

Best For Spotting Moose

For whatever reason, moose love Fishercap Lake. This is where the most concentrated amount of sightings occur for these huge antlered creatures.

For many visitors, the sight of a moose is the highlight of their trip. Seeing an animal so massive in its natural habitat is truly humbling, a moment of awe that resonates deeply.

The lake is overshadowed by Mount Wilbert, a towering presence that reaches over 4000 feet above Fishercap Lake.

Its majestic peak often casts shadows over the area, adding a sense of mystery and grandeur to the landscape. The interplay of light and shadow across the water’s surface is a spectacle in itself.

Crystal clear water, along with mirror-like reflections, makes Fishercap Lake an amazing place to visit on your trip to Glacier National Park.

Whether for wildlife watching, photography, or simply basking in nature’s splendor, the lake offers a multifaceted experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s a destination that beckons, promising a connection with the wild that is both intimate and inspiring.

10. Glacier Lake

Best Lake On The Canadian Side Of The Park

This long lake, reminiscent of the rivers of Alaska, is framed by pine trees that line the mountain sides, leading all the way down to the bank of the lake. The sight is one of harmony and natural elegance, a landscape that whispers of untamed beauty.

Almost as if the landscape was perfectly planned, sitting at the end of Glacier Lake, a snow-capped mountain can be seen on the far side. This majestic peak adds a touch of wonder to the view, its white crown contrasting brilliantly with the surrounding greenery.

The water of Glacier Lake looks like Arctic Blitz Gatorade, a light ice-blue color that enchants the eye. While its appearance may invite curiosity, you definitely would not want to swim in this lake. The water looks cold, and trust me, it is. The chill can be felt even from a distance, a tangible reminder of nature’s raw power and purity, an experience that thrills as much as it humbles.

11. Kintla Lake

Best For Last Minute Camping

The Kintla Lake Campground is a first-come, first-serve campground situated directly next to Kintla Lake. Its location is very secluded, offering a retreat into nature’s embrace.

For those seeking a quiet and intimate connection with the wilderness, this campground provides a perfect setting, away from the hustle and bustle, where the sounds of nature hold sway, and tranquility reigns.

Being directly on Kintla Lake, and being a first come first serve campground, this is the perfect lake for last minute travelers looking to experience Glacier National Park. The amenities are slightly lacking, only having a potable water pump, and vault restrooms. But what is lacking in amenities, makes up for in pure Montana views.

Kintla Lake is a longer lake, offering up amazing views of the park. The sunsets here are absolutely incredible. The dusk sky glows blaze orange, reflecting off of the peaks. Clear days are best for hiking and exploring but cloudy sunsets offer the best colors by far.

12. Upper Two Medicine Lake

Best For Mountain Reflections

Upper Two Medicine Lake is in a very secluded part of Glacier National Park. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, it creates the perfect environment for glass-like waters, a tranquil setting that captures the essence of nature’s artistry.

As long as the sun is not directly overhead, reflections can be seen any time of day. This includes nights with a clear sky and a full moon! The shimmering images on the water transform with the light, offering endless variations of beauty.

Being so calm, Two Medicine Lake is indeed a great place to experience the sunrise and sunset. The colors of the sky glimmer perfectly off the lake’s surface, creating a mesmerizing display.

Whether it’s the soft hues of dawn or the fiery palette of dusk, the visual symphony here is unforgettable. Some astonishing photography is to be had here, capturing moments that speak to the heart and soul. It’s a location that calls to those seeking to commune with nature, to find inspiration, wonder, and peace.

13. Otokomi Lake

Best For Colorful Mountain Rocks

The cliffs around Otokomi Lake are filled with iron, giving the rocks a distinctive rust-red color. This unusual geological feature sets the stage for a visual marvel that distinguishes the lake from others.

From the shore, the lake stays shallow for about 30 feet, exposing all the red rock underneath the surface.

The transition from the bright red rocks to the deep blue water creates a striking contrast that is something rarely seen anywhere else on earth. It’s a view that captivates the eye and stimulates the imagination.

On days with zero wind, the red from the mountains can be seen reflecting off the waters, creating a mesmerizing effect. It’s quite a unique scene worth seeing, a tableau that seems to defy the ordinary and invite the viewer into a world of color and reflection.

The tranquility and beauty of Otokomi Lake offer a rare opportunity to connect with nature in a way that both surprises and delights, a journey for the senses that leaves a lasting impression.

14. Bowman Lake

Best Lake To Tie The Knot At

With picturesque views of a calm mountain lake and snowcapped peaks, Bowman Lake offers an idyllic setting that makes it the perfect place to get married. As the third largest lake in the park, it’s full of wonderful views that provide a breathtaking backdrop to any special occasion.

While most people might recommend a more popular destination like Lake McDonald or St. Mary Lake, the truth is, Bowman Lake holds its own unique charm. It’s a less sought-after destination for travelers, and yet, its views are just as stunning as the other lakes.

Indeed, the serenity and unspoiled beauty of Bowman Lake provide a sense of exclusivity and intimacy that can make a wedding day even more magical.

It’s a choice that reflects a desire for authenticity and connection with nature, a venue that speaks to the heart and celebrates love in an environment that is as enduring and profound as the commitment being made. For those looking for a venue that offers both grandeur and intimacy, Bowman Lake is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

15. Lake Josephine

Best For Seeing Grinnell Glacier From Afar

With Grinnell Glacier prominently displayed in the backdrop of Lake Josephine, this spot serves as an extraordinary place to witness the glacier. The path to the lake is a much shorter hike than that to Grinnell Lake and is relatively flat.

This easier access makes Lake Josephine an appealing choice for those eager to behold the magnificence of Grinnell Glacier without undertaking a longer trek.

The combination of serene lake waters with the towering glacier creates an awe-inspiring scene accessible to people of various ages and fitness levels.

Visiting Lake Josephine allows travelers to engage with a significant natural wonder and embrace the grandeur of the surrounding landscape. It’s a must-see destination, offering a blend of beauty and accessibility that creates a lasting impression for all who venture there.

16. Cracker Lake

Best For Backcountry Camping

One of the few places in Glacier National Park that offers backcountry camping, Cracker Lake is the place to do it.

Waking up in the glacial blue waters, and the mountain wall looming in the background is out of this world. It is a good thing this area is protected because if it wasn’t, this would be prime real estate for a log cabin chalet. That’s how amazing Cracker Lake is.

The meadows surrounding Cracker Lake offer a ton of wildflowers and greenery. That along with the sunrise the morning after makes this lake by far the best for backcountry camping.

17. Quartz Lake

Best Lake In Glacier National Park For Fishing

Quartz Lake is home to the Quartz Lake Fishing Project. As a part of the project, a net was put in to prevent non-native species from entering the lake. However, this failed. As a result, fishing on the lake can be lucrative. Any non-native species have no catch limit. In fact, it is encouraged to kill these species to prevent further damage. Just be sure you know exactly what it is you killing. Keeping/killing any native species is illegal.