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Glaciated peak with Precambrian Belt rocks; backcountry scramble to the summit.
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Grace Lake
Last Updated: January 2026
Type
Glacial Lake
Accessibility
Strenuous backcountry hike; not wheelchair accessible
Best Season
Late June through September
Busiest Season
Late June through September
Features
Cirque lake in the Livingston Range; glacially carved basin; bedrock of ancient sedimentary rocks; UNESCO World Heritage Waterton-Glacier
Elevation
3,966 ft
Overview
About This Attraction
Grace Lake sits in a high basin among the Livingston Range, its still water framed by rugged granite walls. This is a glacial cirque lake—basin carved by moving ice long ago and now filled with meltwater. The backcountry route to Grace Lake runs about 12.3 miles one-way from the Logging Lake Trailhead, totaling roughly 24.8 miles round-trip. The rocks here are ancient, dating from about 1.4 to 2 billion years ago.
Quick Facts
Type
Glacial Lake
Elevation
3,966 ft
Access
Strenuous backcountry hike; not wheelchair accessible
Main Features
Cirque lake in the Livingston Range; glacially carved basin; bedrock of ancient sedimentary rocks; UNESCO World Heritage Waterton-Glacier
What You'll See
Grace Lake itself with e dgeline views of the Livingston Range; a backcountry campsite area; rugged, rocky terrain and forested banks along the shoreline
What Makes It Special
Backcountry cirque lake within a UNESCO World Heritage site; rocks dated 1.4–2 billion years old; Indigenous history in the surrounding landscape
Best Time to Visit
Late June through September, when snowmelt fully opens the trail. Morning light highlights the eastern slopes, while alpenglow can wash the western faces in late afternoon. Avoid midday sun and watch for snowfields early and late in the season.
Safety Considerations
Hypothermia risk if you enter the lake; gravity hazards from steep, uneven terrain; wildlife presence with bears requiring food storage and bear spray; no safety barriers; rugged backcountry with limited cell service
Visitor Tips
- Parking at Logging Creek Campground trailhead is limited; arrive early, especially in peak season.
- The Grace Lake approach is a strenuous backcountry hike—plan for roughly 24.8 miles round-trip.
- Carry bear spray, sturdy boots, and layered clothing (no cotton). Water is not available at Grace Lake.
- Bring sufficient water or a reliable method to treat natural sources.
- Cell service is extremely limited; download offline maps and share trip plans.
- Stay on the Logging Lake Trail and watch for snowfields in shoulder seasons.
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ℹ️ Data Sources
National Park Service — Glacier National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) yournpguide.com nationalparkschat.com mt.gov enjoyyourparks.com glacier.org youtube.com glaciernationalparklodges.com reddit.com wikipedia.org glacierexplorer.com visitmt.com thedyrt.com hike734.com Current time information in Flathead County, US. recreation.gov Google Reviews YourNPGuide Editorial
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