Otokomi Lake

Red cliffs frame Otokomi Lake, a cirque bowl beneath Goat Mountain. Belt rocks tell a billion-year glacial tale.

Insider tip

Cross Rose Creek for south-side vantage

Insider tip

Carry bear spray; make noise

The light

Alpenglow on red cliffs at sunset; sunrise lighting enhances lake reflections

Heads up

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 snowm…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 5
Cirque Lake6,000 ftRestrooms availableGolden-hour pick

Otokomi Lake sits in Glacier National Park’s St. Mary Valley, north of Goat Mountain. It’s a cirque lake carved by glaciers into the iron‑rich 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...

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

What Youll See
Otokomi Lake itself with red rock walls; alpine shoreline; potential waterfalls along the trail; glacial meltwater hues
Unique Characteristics
Precambrian Belt Supergroup rocks; Grinnell Formation; Crowfoot moraine (~10,590 BP); Otokomi means 'Yellowfish' in Blackfeet; Younger Dryas tephra signatures

When to go

Best Visit Times
Evenings for alpenglow; mornings for possible waterfall illumination
Peak Fill Times
Parking tends to fill by early morning in peak season

Getting there and doing it

How To Get There
Park at the Rising Sun Motor Inn and Campground area, just beside the Rising Sun General Store. From there, follow the Otokomi Lake Trail toward Rose Basin for about 10.4–11 miles (16.7–17.7 km) round trip. Crossing Rose Creek along the route yields a southern vantage point of Otokomi Lake.
Parking Availability
Rising Sun area; parking fills up during peak season

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
10.4-11 miles (16.7-17.7 km) roundtrip
Road Type
Varies
GPS Coordinates
48.69481° N, 113.51932° W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late June to September; golden hour on the red cliffs at sunset; morning light illuminates any trail waterfalls.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow on red cliffs at sunset; sunrise lighting enhances lake reflections
Best Season
Late spring through early fall (late June–September)
Busiest Season
July and August
Seasonal Access
Late spring through early fall (late June–September); snow can linger into early summer
Road Opening Dates
Road openings vary; typical access from late spring through early fall
Snow Lingering
Snow can linger on the trail into early summer
Winter Access
Limited; winter travel requires snow/ice travel; not routinely accessible
Weather Patterns
Unpredictable with temperature swings; snow can linger; afternoon storms possible

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Cirque Lake
Main Features
Cirque lake in Rose Basin framed by red Belt Supergroup cliffs; Goat Mountain overlook; crossing Rose Creek
Photo Opportunities
Alpenglow on red cliffs at sunset; reflections on the lake; morning mist over the water
Photography Spots
Otokomi Lake shore, Rose Creek crossing, Goat Mountain overlook
Best Viewpoints
Along the Otokomi Lake shore; southern approach after Rose Creek crossing
Common Wildlife
Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, and cutthroat trout
Best Wildlife Times
Wildlife sightings can occur anywhere along the trail, especially near berry patches and dense vegetation
Geological Formation Type
Cirque lake with Belt Supergroup sedimentary rocks, Grinnell Formation
Scientific Interest
Post-glacial moraine deposition; tephra stratigraphy; Younger Dryas interval; Precambrian sediments
Stargazing Quality
Excellent dark skies away from lodge lights

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Cell Service
Limited
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Strenuous hike; not wheelchair accessible
Accessibility Level
Strenuous, not wheelchair accessible
Nearby Services
Rising Sun Motor Inn, Otokomi Lake Campground vault toilets, Rising Sun restrooms
Nearby Facilities
Rising Sun Motor Inn; Rising Sun restrooms; Otokomi Lake Campground vault toilets
Family Friendly Notes
Steep, uneven terrain; hold hands for kids; wildlife caution; bear spray

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Goat Mountain, Rose Basin, Grinnell Formation, Belt Supergroup, Rising Sun area
Connecting Trails
Otokomi Lake Trail; Rose Creek approach
Trailheads Here
Rising Sun area trailhead

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Cross Rose Creek for south-side vantage
  • Carry bear spray; make noise
  • Leave no trace; stay on trail
  • The lake water stays very cold; plan accordingly
  • Watch for seasonal drift and be prepared for weather shifts
Tips Advice
  • 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 details

Park Area
Glacier National Park
Elevation Feet
6000
Fishing Species
Cutthroat trout
Fishing Nearby
Yes
Review Summary
Five-star rating across five reviews; visitors praise the alpine setting and geology; the hike is rewarding for those who embrace the elevation gain and bear safety.

Location

Otokomi Lake view along a rocky creek with wildflowers and evergreen trees in Glacier National Park.Otokomi Lake view in Glacier National Park with dense evergreen forest and a rocky peak in the distance.Otokomi Lake shoreline along Glacier National Park, with crystal water lapping over multicolored stones at the rocky shore.Otokomi Lake landscape with rugged Glacier National Park peaks and a forest of bare, gray tree trunks.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes. Parking at Rising Sun fills early in peak season; plan to arrive by dawn or at least before 7–8am, then use the trail to Otokomi Lake.

Is it worth the 10-mile roundtrip just to see Otokomi Lake?

Yes. The lake sits in a glacial cirque with Precambrian rocks, wildflowers, and dramatic red cliffs—every step reveals geology in action.

Will my 65-year-old mother be able to do the hike?

The trail is strenuous with long ascents and uneven sections; it may be challenging for some but could be manageable with breaks and conditioning; consider alternate viewpoints if accessibility is a concern.

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

The water often appears a steel-blue from glacial meltwater carrying rock flour, especially when the light hits the lake.

Is bear spray really needed?

Yes. Bears are common in the area; carry bear spray and know how to use it, and make periodic noise to avoid surprising wildlife.

Is there a visitor center at Otokomi Lake?

No dedicated visitor center at Otokomi Lake; interpretive signs may be present along the trail to provide context on glaciation, wildlife, and park history.

Can I bring my dog on the Otokomi Lake trail?

Dog access on this backcountry-style trail isn’t specified here; plan for a hike without pets or check park service guidelines before you go.

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.

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.