Grace Lake (Livingston Range) in Glacier National Park

Grace Lake at Glacier National Park features crystal waters, calm reflections, surrounding evergreens, and jagged mountain backdrop.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48°47′30″N 114°00′04″W
Accessibility: Backcountry trail; not accessible by wheelchair

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 1

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Logging Lake Trail, Logging Creek Campground, Grace Lake backcountry campsite
Nearby Facilities: Grace Lake backcountry campsite has vault toilets; no potable water; info at visitor centers
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.
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.
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.

More details

Park Area: Glacier National Park, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for very young children due to distance and rugged terrain
Attraction Type: Glacial Lake
Elevation Feet: 3966
Distance From Entrance: 12.3 miles (19.8 km) one-way; 24.8 miles round-trip
Accessibility Level: Strenuous backcountry hike; not wheelchair accessible
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
Road Type: Gravel/dirt forest road leading to the trailhead
Seasonal Access: Late June through September; open depending on snowmelt and road conditions
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Cirque lake in the Livingston Range; glacially carved basin; bedrock of ancient sedimentary rocks; UNESCO World Heritage Waterton-Glacier
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
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
Best Viewpoints: Shoreline around Grace Lake; higher ridges along the Logging Lake Trail offer framed views of the lake and surrounding peaks
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
Stargazing Quality: Dark skies when weather clear; some park light pollution from facilities
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential on western slopes; morning light on eastern shore
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Very limited; virtually nonexistent in backcountry
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Logging Creek Campground trailhead (Logging Lake Trail to Grace Lake)
Connecting Trails: Logging Lake Trail network; Grace Lake is accessed via Logging Lake Trail from Logging Creek Campground
Nearby Services: Visitor centers provide geology/ecology information
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
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
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon for best light
Best Season: Late June through September
Weather Patterns: Snowmelt-driven streams; summer afternoon thunderstorms are possible
Peak Fill Times: Varies
Busiest Season: Late June through September
Lake Size: 0.80 miles long, 0.25 miles wide (max)
Fishing Species: Whitefish, cutthroat trout
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: One reviewer rated Grace Lake 5 stars, noting remote solitude and dramatic alpine scenery.