Grace Lake

Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.

Insider tip

Grace Lake lies at 3,966 ft—check snowpack before you go.

Insider tip

Pack out all trash; avoid leaving gear in windy, exposed spots.

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 5
Glacial Lake3,966 ftLate June - SeptemberRestrooms availableGolden-hour pick

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.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

What Youll 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
Unique Characteristics
Backcountry cirque lake within a UNESCO World Heritage site; rocks dated 1.4–2 billion years old; Indigenous history in the surrounding landscape

When to go

Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon for best light
Peak Fill Times
Varies

Getting there and doing it

How To Get There
From Logging Creek Campground trailhead, follow Logging Lake Trail toward Grace Lake; prepare for a 24.8-mile round-trip and variable snowmelt conditions.
Parking Availability
Parking limited at Logging Creek Campground trailhead; arrive early

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
12.3 miles (19.8 km) one-way; 24.8 miles round-trip
Road Type
Gravel/dirt forest road leading to the trailhead
GPS Coordinates
48°47′30″N 114°00′04″W

When to go

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.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential on western slopes; morning light on eastern shore
Best Season
Late June through September
Busiest Season
Late June through September
Seasonal Access
Late June through September; open depending on snowmelt and road conditions
Road Opening Dates
Typically late June; snow-dependent
Snow Lingering
Snow may linger into late spring
Winter Access
Limited; winter access requires backcountry travel with caution and awareness of avalanche risk
Weather Patterns
Snowmelt-driven streams; summer afternoon thunderstorms are possible

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Glacial Lake
Main Features
Cirque lake in the Livingston Range; glacially carved basin; bedrock of ancient sedimentary rocks; UNESCO World Heritage Waterton-Glacier
Photo Opportunities
Early morning light on the eastern shore; late afternoon alpenglow on western slopes; mirror-like reflections on calm water
Photography Spots
Grace Lake shoreline, rocky outcrops along the trail, alpine silhouettes against the peaks
Best Viewpoints
Shoreline around Grace Lake; higher ridges along the Logging Lake Trail offer framed views of the lake and surrounding peaks
Common Wildlife
Mountain goats, pikas, bears (grizzly and black), bighorn sheep
Best Wildlife Times
Early morning and late evening
Geological Formation Type
Cirque
Scientific Interest
Visible glacial processes and ancient crust; 1.4–2 Ga rocks; part of UNESCO site
Stargazing Quality
Dark skies when weather clear; some park light pollution from facilities

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Permits Required
Yes
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Very limited; virtually nonexistent in backcountry
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Backcountry trail; not accessible by wheelchair
Accessibility Level
Strenuous backcountry hike; not wheelchair accessible
Nearby Services
Visitor centers provide geology/ecology information
Nearby Facilities
Grace Lake backcountry campsite has vault toilets; no potable water; info at visitor centers
Family Friendly Notes
Not recommended for very young children due to distance and rugged terrain

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Logging Lake Trail, Logging Creek Campground, Grace Lake backcountry campsite
Connecting Trails
Logging Lake Trail network; Grace Lake is accessed via Logging Lake Trail from Logging Creek Campground
Trailheads Here
Logging Creek Campground trailhead (Logging Lake Trail to Grace Lake)

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Grace Lake lies at 3,966 ft—check snowpack before you go.
  • Pack out all trash; avoid leaving gear in windy, exposed spots.
  • Use bear spray in bear country and keep food secured away from the trail.
  • Download offline maps; cell coverage is sparse.
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
Glacier National Park, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Elevation Feet
3966
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Lake Size
0.80 miles long, 0.25 miles wide (max)
Fishing Species
Whitefish, cutthroat trout
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
One reviewer rated Grace Lake 5 stars, noting remote solitude and dramatic alpine scenery.

Location

Grace Lake at Glacier National Park reflects the surrounding evergreen forest and jagged mountains.Grace Lake in Glacier National Park reflects rugged alpine peaks and dense evergreen forests on a clear summer day.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes—parking at Logging Creek Campground trailhead is limited; arrive early, especially during peak season.

Is it worth the 12+ mile hike to Grace Lake?

Yes. The long, backcountry route delivers a secluded glacial cirque lake with dramatic geology and alpine scenery; plan for a 24.8-mile round trip.

Can I bring my dog on the Grace Lake Trail?

Dogs are not advised on this backcountry route in Glacier NP; current policies require checking the latest official guidelines before hiking.

Is water available at Grace Lake?

Potable water is not available at the Grace Lake campsite; hikers must carry water or have a reliable way to treat natural sources.

Will my cell phone work if there is an emergency?

Cell service is extremely limited; do not rely on it for emergencies—plan ahead with maps and tell someone your itinerary.

Pyramid Peak

Granite peak sharpened by glacial ice; scrambling to Pyramid Peak from Pyramid Pass.

Two Medicine Picnic Area

Two Medicine’s lake and peaks reward a future picnic; road access is closed as of September 9, 2026.

Monument Falls

215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.

Lake McDonald

A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.

Saint Mary Lake

Choose Sun Point views, a waterfall hike or a Rising Sun boat tour on Glacier’s eastern lake.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.