Natural Attraction

Lake Five

Natural Attraction★ 4.8
Lake Five at Glacier National Park sits along a forested shoreline with blue water and distant mountains under a bright sky.

Calm water mirrors Glacier peaks from the Paul’s Memorial dock. Forested shoreline frames a basin that hints at a glacial past. Lake Five is a glacial lake formed by ice-carved basins and moraine damming, with water that stays cold and clear.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
48°29′N 113°59′W
Accessibility
Partial; viewing via Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five itself not detailed

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald, Flathead River, Flathead National Forest
Nearby Facilities
Paul's Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five Resort; Whitefish amenities nearby
Best Time To Visit
Spring through fall; golden hour sunsets from the lakeshore; Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access is year-round.
Tips Advice
  • Park at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access for dock-side viewing
  • Carry bear spray and stay alert to wildlife
  • Dress in layers; water is cold year-round
  • Check access at Lake Five Resort for seasonal openings
Insider Tips
  • Park at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access
  • Bring bear spray
  • Sunset views are dramatic from the lakeshore

More details

Park Area
Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes
Bear spray recommended; keep children close to water; vault toilets available
Attraction Type
Glacial Lake
Elevation Feet
3257.04
Distance From Entrance
Drive-up via Lake Five Road off U.S. Highway 2; Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access is the primary entry point
Accessibility Level
Partial access via Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; Lake Five itself has no named trailheads
How To Get There
From Whitefish, MT, drive east on US-2, then turn onto Lake Five Road and follow it to Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access. The viewing dock at Paul’s Memorial gives lakefront views, and the Lake Five Resort sits on the shore. The lake’s coordinates are 48°29′N 113°59′W. Public access to the lake is via Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access and requires a Montana Conservation Pass or a valid hunting or fishing license. Parking is available at Lake Five Resort and at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; specific capacity isn’t published, and parking can be tight during peak Glacier National Park periods.
Parking Availability
Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access parking; Lake Five Resort parking for guests
Road Type
Rural paved access to parking areas; Lake Five Road is a standard rural route
Seasonal Access
Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access open year-round; Lake Five Resort open spring through fall
Entry Fees
Varies; fishing licenses required for anglers; no general entry fee noted for lake viewing
Main Features
Glacially influenced freshwater lake; 151.8 acres; deepest point 62 ft; elevation 3,257 ft; viewing dock at Paul’s Memorial
What Youll See
Calm, cold water; forested shoreline; views of Glacier peaks from the dock; stocked Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout; mule deer and marmots in the vicinity
Unique Characteristics
Environmental bellwether: cold, clear water with low plankton; highly sensitive to pollutants
Safety Considerations
Bear spray recommended; water is cold year-round; jet skis not permitted; 200-foot no-wake zone near docks; Montana fishing license required for ages over 12; cell service limited
Best Viewpoints
Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access dock; Lake Five Resort lakefront
Photo Opportunities
Golden hour sunsets from the lakeshore; dock vantage with mountain backdrop; lakefront cabins at the resort
Photography Spots
Dock at Paul’s Memorial; Lake Five Resort lakefront; shorelines at sunset
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Golden hour sunsets from the lakeshore
Visitor Center Present
0
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Vault toilets at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access; flush restrooms at Lake Five Resort
Picnic Areas
0
Interpretive Signs
0
Cell Service
Limited/intermittent
Water Available
1
Guided Tours Available
0
Trailheads Here
No designated Lake Five trailheads; near Glacier National Park's broader trail network
Connecting Trails
Nearby Glacier National Park trails; no direct Lake Five water-to-trail link
Nearby Services
Nearest groceries in Whitefish; Lake Five Resort services; Paul’s Memorial facilities
Common Wildlife
Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout stocked; mule deer, marmots, varied birds; bears frequent nearby areas
Best Wildlife Times
Spring through fall for broader wildlife activity; bear presence in surrounding Glacier areas
Geological Formation Type
Glacial lake (basin carved by ice, dammed by moraines)
Scientific Interest
Environmental bellwether: cold, clear water with low plankton; pollutant sensitivity
Road Opening Dates
Lake Five Resort open May 19–October 15
Winter Access
Lake Five Road and Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access available year-round; winter conditions vary; plan for snow
Best Visit Times
Weekdays in the shoulder seasons; early morning light preferred to avoid crowds
Best Season
Spring through fall
Weather Patterns
Mountain weather with rapid changes; afternoon thunderstorms possible; fire restrictions in dry seasons
Busiest Season
Summer
Lake Size
151.8 acres (61.43 hectares)
Fishing Species
Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, perch, bluegill
Fishing Nearby
1
Swimming Allowed
0
Boating Allowed
1
Climbing Areas
0
Review Summary
4.8 stars from 19 reviews. Visitors describe Lake Five as a crisp, quiet lake with a reliable dock vantage and easy access via Paul’s Memorial. The water’s clarity and the surrounding glacier-derived landscape make it a meaningful, low-friction stop, with safety and licensing considerations shaping the visit.

Location

Lake Five at Glacier National Park glows at dusk, with a snow-filled shore and dark pine forests.Couple in wedding attire near the shore of Lake Five in Glacier National Park, with forested hills beyond.Lake Five in Glacier National Park glows with sunset over snow-dusted pines and distant peaks.Lake Five overlook in Glacier National Park at sunset, with snow-covered pines and distant mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to drive all the way to Paul's Memorial Fishing Access just for Lake Five?

Yes—Paul’s Memorial provides the primary dock-view and access point for Lake Five. The dock sightline captures the lake’s cold, clear water and alpine backdrop, and the nearby resort offers facilities and lodging for extended visits.

Is it worth visiting if there aren’t direct trails to the water?

Yes. The dock at Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access delivers a strong geological and scenic read: a glacially shaped basin with mountain silhouettes. You’ll still be in Glacier’s footprint, with nearby trails and viewpoints in reach.

Can I fish without a license, or do I need one?

A Montana Fishing License is required for anyone over 12 to fish Lake Five; obtain it before casting. The lake hosts kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, with other species present in the broader area.

Will bears make it unsafe to visit?

Bear spray is recommended and maintain distance from wildlife. Stay on designated access areas; store food properly and keep children close, especially near water and forest edges.

Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

The water here is cold and clear; color varies with light and depth, not a constant blue hue but reflective of the pristine alpine setting.

Vulture Peak

Glaciated peak with Precambrian Belt rocks; backcountry scramble to the summit.

Elk Mountain

360° summit views over Belt rocks; a rugged, glacier-carved ascent.

Numa Peak

Numa Peak rises above Bowman Lake; Numa Ridge Lookout reveals vast alpine views.

Pyramid Peak

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

Grace Lake

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

Mount Vaught

8,854 ft peak in the Livingston Range; scrambling ascent; Belt Supergroup rocks thrust by Lewis Overthrust.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

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.