Lake Josephine

The second lake on the Many Glacier boat tour, with a steep transfer walk and optional onward hikes.

Insider tip

The two-lake boat tour includes a short, steep transfer at Lake Josephine

Insider tip

Optional hikes toward Grinnell Lake or Grinnell Glacier depend on the itinerary, trail status, and water levels

The light

Sunrise on Angel Wing; alpenglow on Garden Wall at sunset

Heads up

Cold lake water and changeable mountain weather create hypothermia risks. The boat itinerary includes a steep walk between the lakes; wear suitable footwear, t…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.9
Geological Formation4,882 ftJune - OctoberRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

YOUR VISIT, YOUR WAY

What would you love to do here?

Lake Josephine gives a Many Glacier outing a choice of approaches: walk past Swiftcurrent Lake to the shore, or cross both lakes by tour boat. The independent walk is a different commitment from the much longer Grinnell Glacier hike. Bring water, snacks, suitable shoes and layers. Water stays cold year-round; supervise children at the shore and check current road, trail and seasonal boat access.

Walk independently to the Lake Josephine shore

Walk from Many Glacier Hotel along Swiftcurrent toward the Lake Josephine shore, then return the way you came. No boat ticket is needed; choose your turnaround point around your group’s energy and current trail conditions.

Lake Josephine shore, Many Glacier · Moderate effort

With children

Supervise children closely near the cold water and choose a turnaround point appropriate for their energy and footwear.

Take the narrated two-lake boat tour

This is the same two-lake tour offered at Swiftcurrent, not a second booking. Start at Many Glacier Hotel; a mandatory steep 0.2-mile walk connects the boats. The complete tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Many Glacier Hotel boat dock, via Swiftcurrent to Lake Josephine · Moderate effort

With children

Children should be supervised during the steep transfer and around the boats; confirm child requirements with the operator.

Check the operator’s current details →

Saved choices are ideas, not reservations. Check current access, conditions and opening times before travel.

Planning sources · checked September 7, 2026

Lake Josephine is the second lake on the Many Glacier boat itinerary, with mountain and glacier views from the Morning Eagle. You can make the lake crossing part of a scenic outing or use it to approach a longer hike toward Grinnell Lake or Grinnell Glacier. Even the scenic tour includes a short, steep walk between Swiftcurrent Lake and Josephine; it is not a step-free boat ride from start to finish.

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

BEFORE YOU ADD THIS STOP

Build your visit around what matters to you

Understand the two-lake visit

How To Get There
The Many Glacier two-lake tour starts behind Many Glacier Hotel, crosses Swiftcurrent Lake, and requires a short, steep walk to a separate boat on Lake Josephine. Onward hiking choices depend on your itinerary and current conditions. Swiftcurrent rental watercraft may not be taken to Lake Josephine.

Choose your onward hike

Insider Tips
  • The two-lake boat tour includes a short, steep transfer at Lake Josephine
  • Optional hikes toward Grinnell Lake or Grinnell Glacier depend on the itinerary, trail status, and water levels
  • Bring proper footwear, water, and layers; follow bear-spray-safe handling guidance

Check the connection

Seasonal Access
Separate the operator’s boat timetable from NPS watercraft-inspection and trail-access rules. The published 2026 Many Glacier tour schedule runs through September 19. Check the operator and NPS for the date you intend to visit; water levels and trail conditions can change hiking connections.
Accessibility Level
Boat-assisted or hike-in access; the official boat route includes a short, steep transfer between Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine.

Ready to plan? Choose your lake experiences.

Getting there & parking

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
Road Type
Main routes were paved with seasonal construction near the Many Glacier Hotel access road; expect occasional delays
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
Peak Fill Times
Early morning; parking fills by 8am in peak season
GPS Coordinates
48.7969827°N, 113.6685409°W

When to go

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.
Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon; late June to mid-September
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Sunrise on Angel Wing; alpenglow on Garden Wall at sunset
Best Season
Late June to mid-September
Busiest Season
July and August
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
Weather Patterns
Afternoon thunderstorms; rapid weather changes; cool gusts
Wildflower Peak
Mid-July to early August
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to early October

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
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
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
Best Viewpoints
North Shore boat dock; South Shore viewpoints along the lake loop; Grinnell Point vantage
Common Wildlife
Moose; bears (grizzly and black); squirrels; chipmunks
Best Wildlife Times
Dawn and dusk
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.
Stargazing Quality
Good under clear, dark skies; minimal light pollution in the Many Glacier area

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
There is no cell service at Lake Josephine; expect no coverage along the hike and at the shore.
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Trails are well-maintained but uneven with roots and rocks; not wheelchair-friendly; supervise children
Nearby Services
Many Glacier Hotel; St. Mary Visitor Center; Glacier Park Boats shuttle
Nearby Facilities
Many Glacier Hotel; vault toilet near boat dock; water fountain and filling station at St. Mary Visitor Center
Family Friendly Notes
Trails rough in places; bears present; keep kids close and away from water edges

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Swiftcurrent Lake; Grinnell Glacier Trail; Grinnell Lake; Many Glacier Hotel
Connecting Trails
Grinnell Glacier Trail; Swiftcurrent Lake trails
Trailheads Here
Grinnell Glacier Trailhead; connections to Swiftcurrent Lake trails

Planning advice

Tips Advice
  • Check current trail status and water levels before choosing optional hikes
  • Wear proper footwear and carry water and layers
  • Account for the short, steep transfer included in the two-lake boat itinerary
  • Follow official bear-spray-safe handling guidance where applicable

More details

Park Area
Many Glacier region, Glacier National Park
Recent Updates
Construction west of the Many Glacier Hotel access road continues through May 2026; parking remains restricted; use the hotel lot
Elevation Feet
4882
Visitor Center Present
Yes
Guided Tours Available
No
Lake Size
1.10 miles long, 0.30 miles wide
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
Yes
Climbing Areas
No
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

Is the boat tour worth it if I am concerned about a long hike?

It can reduce the approach on the two-lake itinerary, but it includes a short, steep transfer at Lake Josephine and any onward hike depends on the itinerary and current conditions.

Will I be able to continue toward Grinnell Lake or Grinnell Glacier?

The operator describes onward hiking choices toward Grinnell Lake or Grinnell Glacier, but the available route can depend on the itinerary, trail status, and water levels.

What should I bring for the hike or boat-assisted visit?

The official hiking guidance recommends proper footwear, water, and layers. Follow official guidance for safe bear-spray handling where applicable.

Is the boat route fully accessible without steep walking?

No. The itinerary includes a short, steep walk between Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. The operator says wheelchair access is not available; confirm whether the route fits your group before booking.

Can conditions change the planned visit?

Yes. The operator notes that trail status and water levels can affect optional hikes, so check current conditions before committing to an onward route.

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.

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.

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.