Natural AttractionVulture Peak
Glaciated peak with Precambrian Belt rocks; backcountry scramble to the summit.
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Otokomi Lake
Last Updated: December 2025
Type
Cirque Lake
Accessibility
Strenuous, not wheelchair accessible
Best Season
Late spring through early fall (late JuneβSeptember)
Busiest Season
July and August
Features
Cirque lake in Rose Basin framed by red Belt Supergroup cliffs; Goat Mountain overlook; crossing Rose Creek
Elevation
6,000 ft
Overview
About This Attraction
Otokomi Lake sits in Glacier National Parkβs St. Mary Valley, north of Goat Mountain. Itβs a cirque lake carved by glaciers into the ironβrich argillite of the Grinnell Formation, part of the Belt Supergroup, with red cliffs that rise more than 500 feet around the basin. Elevation is about 6,590 feet. The hike is roughly 10.4 to 11 miles round trip, starting near Rising Sun; parking fills during peak season, so a park shuttle helps. The best light is late spring through early fall, with...
Quick Facts
Type
Cirque Lake
Elevation
6,000 ft
Access
Strenuous, not wheelchair accessible
Main Features
Cirque lake in Rose Basin framed by red Belt Supergroup cliffs; Goat Mountain overlook; crossing Rose Creek
What You'll See
Otokomi Lake itself with red rock walls; alpine shoreline; potential waterfalls along the trail; glacial meltwater hues
What Makes It Special
Precambrian Belt Supergroup rocks; Grinnell Formation; Crowfoot moraine (~10,590 BP); Otokomi means 'Yellowfish' in Blackfeet; Younger Dryas tephra signatures
Best Time to Visit
Late June to September; golden hour on the red cliffs at sunset; morning light illuminates any trail waterfalls.
Safety Considerations
Gravity on steep, rocky sections; stay back from edges. Bear spray is recommended; make noise to avoid surprises. The lake water is extremely cold due to snowmelt. Weather can swing quickly; pack layers and check forecasts.
Visitor Tips
- Park at Rising Sun area; parking fills during peak season.
- Bear spray is essential; make noise to avoid surprising wildlife.
- Water sources are limited along the trail; carry sufficient water or a filter.
- Cross Rose Creek for dramatic south-side views.
- Wear sturdy footwear; the trail is strenuous and uneven.
More at Glacier National Park
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Recommended Gear for Glacier National Park
βΉοΈ Data Sources
enjoyyourparks.com roamingbearmedia.com researchgate.net usgs.gov npshistory.com hikinginglacier.com wikipedia.org champagneescapades.com glacierguides.com getinspiredeveryday.com travanietravels.com youtube.com aspiringwild.com glacierparkcollection.com nps.gov glacier.org Google Reviews YourNPGuide Editorial
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