Natural Attraction

Lake Josephine

Natural Attraction★ 4.9
Lake Josephine in Glacier National Park framed by evergreen trees and rugged mountains.

Turquoise water sits in a bowl between sheer walls, with Angel Wing above and Garden Wall looming in the distance. From the North Shore boat dock you glimpse the lake and the rugged backdrop that frames this glacier-fed setting. Lake Josephine is a cirque lake formed by Pleistocene ice that gouged the basin and left meltwater behind.

Scenic glacier-fed lake & popular hiking area known for its dramatic views.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
48.7969827°N, 113.6685409°W
Accessibility
Trails are well-maintained but uneven with roots and rocks; not wheelchair-friendly; supervise children

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Swiftcurrent Lake; Grinnell Glacier Trail; Grinnell Lake; Many Glacier Hotel
Nearby Facilities
Many Glacier Hotel; vault toilet near boat dock; water fountain and filling station at St. Mary Visitor Center
Best Time To Visit
Optimal: late June to mid-September when snow is cleared and trails are navigable. In peak season (July–August) parking fills early; Many Glacier area stays open roughly June–October.
Tips Advice
  • Boat shuttle reduces hiking distance; consider using it to shorten the route
  • Arrive early; parking often fills by 8am in peak season due to construction
  • Bear spray recommended; stay on trails and make noise to avoid surprises
Insider Tips
Boat shuttle cuts distance; parking can be tight in peak season; bear spray recommended; sunrise over Angel Wing is noteworthy

More details

Park Area
Many Glacier region, Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes
Trails rough in places; bears present; keep kids close and away from water edges
Recent Updates
Construction west of the Many Glacier Hotel access road continues through May 2026; parking remains restricted; use the hotel lot
Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Elevation Feet
4882
Distance From Entrance
Grinnell Glacier Trailhead: ~1 mile (1.6 km) one-way to Lake Josephine; loop around the lake: ~3.4 miles (5.5 km); boat shuttle route reduces distance: 0.2-mile walk to the second boat
Accessibility Level
Hike-in or boat-in only; not wheelchair accessible
How To Get There
Park in the Many Glacier area and follow the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead for a ~1 mile hike to Lake Josephine, or take Glacier Park Boats from Swiftcurrent Lake to the North Shore boat dock, then a short 0.2 mile walk to the second boat and a brief final hike to the lake
Parking Availability
Parking at Many Glacier Hotel fills by ~8am in peak season; construction west of the Many Glacier Hotel access road limits capacity; hikers redirected to the hotel lot
Road Type
Main routes were paved with seasonal construction near the Many Glacier Hotel access road; expect occasional delays
Seasonal Access
Many Glacier area open June–October; trails snow-free late June to mid-September
Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Main Features
Glacial cirque basin, Angel Wing, Garden Wall, Mount Gould
What Youll See
Turquoise meltwater lake; rugged walls on all sides; views toward Angel Wing, Garden Wall, and Mount Gould; Swiftcurrent Lake to the northeast; boat dock on the North Shore
Unique Characteristics
Glacially carved cirque lake at 4,882 ft with a short boat connection, illustrating how Pleistocene ice sculpted alpine terrain in the Crown of the Continent
Safety Considerations
Hazards include steep, rocky trail sections with potential rockfall. Cold water and variable mountain weather raise hypothermia risk. Bears (grizzly and black bears) may be encountered. There are no safety barriers at the shore; footing can be uneven and slippery. Essential gear: bear spray, sturdy boots with good traction, waterproof layers, and trekking poles for stability. Carry sufficient water and monitor weather changes; storms can arise.
Best Viewpoints
North Shore boat dock; South Shore viewpoints along the lake loop; Grinnell Point vantage
Photo Opportunities
Sunrise on Angel Wing; alpenglow on Garden Wall at sunset; reflections on calm mornings; dramatic silhouettes after storms
Photography Spots
North Shore boat dock; South Shore viewpoints; Angel Wing; Garden Wall; Mount Gould; Grinnell Point
Stargazing Quality
Good under clear, dark skies; minimal light pollution in the Many Glacier area
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Sunrise on Angel Wing; alpenglow on Garden Wall at sunset
Visitor Center Present
1
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Vault
Picnic Areas
0
Interpretive Signs
0
Cell Service
There is no cell service at Lake Josephine; expect no coverage along the hike and at the shore.
Water Available
0
Guided Tours Available
0
Trailheads Here
Grinnell Glacier Trailhead; connections to Swiftcurrent Lake trails
Connecting Trails
Grinnell Glacier Trail; Swiftcurrent Lake trails
Nearby Services
Many Glacier Hotel; St. Mary Visitor Center; Glacier Park Boats shuttle
Common Wildlife
Moose; bears (grizzly and black); squirrels; chipmunks
Best Wildlife Times
Dawn and dusk
Wildflower Peak
Mid-July to early August
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to early October
Geological Formation Type
Cirque Lake
Scientific Interest
Lake Josephine is a cirque lake formed by Pleistocene glaciation. Glaciers carved a bedrock basin and created a cirque and U-shaped valley. The lake’s turquoise hue comes from finely ground rock flour suspended in meltwater, produced by the grinding action of ancient ice.
Road Opening Dates
June through October
Snow Lingering
Snow lingers into early summer at higher elevations
Winter Access
Limited; snowbound with snowshoe access typical in backcountry areas
Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon; late June to mid-September
Best Season
Late June to mid-September
Weather Patterns
Afternoon thunderstorms; rapid weather changes; cool gusts
Peak Fill Times
Early morning; parking fills by 8am in peak season
Busiest Season
July and August
Lake Size
1.10 miles long, 0.30 miles wide
Fishing Nearby
0
Swimming Allowed
0
Boating Allowed
1
Climbing Areas
0
Review Summary
4.9 stars from 23 reviews; visitors praise the glacier-fed setting and vantage options; plan for crowds and variable weather

Location

Lake Josephine along a rocky trail in Glacier National Park, framed by evergreen trees and distant peaks.Lake Josephine at Glacier National Park, a moose standing along the lake's rocky shore.Lake Josephine’s wooden footbridge spans a rocky stream amid dense evergreen trees in Glacier National Park.North Shore Josephine Lake Trail sign at Lake Josephine in Glacier National Park, with hikers on the forest path nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 8am to get parking?

Yes. Parking fills by early morning in peak season; consider using the Many Glacier Hotel lot and allow extra time for shuttle options or busier days.

Is the boat shuttle worth using, or should I hike the full loop?

The shuttle dramatically reduces walking distance; it’s worth using if you want to maximize time at the lake and minimize strenuous sections.

Will my family with a young child manage the trail to Lake Josephine?

Trails are well‑maintained but uneven with roots and rocks; supervise children closely and plan a shorter route or the boat option to minimize long stretches on rough terrain.

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

The water appears turquoise due to fine glacier ground rock (rock flour) suspended in the meltwater; it’s a natural color rather than a photo effect.

Are bears common around Lake Josephine, and how should I prepare?

Bear activity is common in this area; carry bear spray, keep a safe distance, make noise on trails, and store food properly to reduce interactions.

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.

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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 December 2025. Report an issue.