Otokomi Lake, Glacier NP: Cirque Lake & Belt rocks

Otokomi Lake at Glacier National Park framed by snow-dusted peaks and evergreen slopes reflected in the alpine lake.

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...

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48.69481° N, 113.51932° W
Accessibility: Strenuous hike; not wheelchair accessible

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Goat Mountain, Rose Basin, Grinnell Formation, Belt Supergroup, Rising Sun area
Nearby Facilities: Rising Sun Motor Inn; Rising Sun restrooms; Otokomi Lake Campground vault toilets
Best Time To Visit: Late June to September; golden hour on the red cliffs at sunset; morning light illuminates any trail waterfalls.
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.
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

More details

Park Area: Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Steep, uneven terrain; hold hands for kids; wildlife caution; bear spray
Attraction Type: Cirque Lake
Elevation Feet: 6000
Distance From Entrance: 10.4-11 miles (16.7-17.7 km) roundtrip
Accessibility Level: Strenuous, not wheelchair accessible
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
Road Type: Varies
Seasonal Access: Late spring through early fall (late June–September); snow can linger into early summer
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Cirque lake in Rose Basin framed by red Belt Supergroup cliffs; Goat Mountain overlook; crossing Rose Creek
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
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.
Best Viewpoints: Along the Otokomi Lake shore; southern approach after Rose Creek crossing
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
Stargazing Quality: Excellent dark skies away from lodge lights
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow on red cliffs at sunset; sunrise lighting enhances lake reflections
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Interpretive Signs: 1
Cell Service: Limited
Trailheads Here: Rising Sun area trailhead
Connecting Trails: Otokomi Lake Trail; Rose Creek approach
Nearby Services: Rising Sun Motor Inn, Otokomi Lake Campground vault toilets, Rising Sun restrooms
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
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
Best Visit Times: Evenings for alpenglow; mornings for possible waterfall illumination
Best Season: Late spring through early fall (late June–September)
Weather Patterns: Unpredictable with temperature swings; snow can linger; afternoon storms possible
Peak Fill Times: Parking tends to fill by early morning in peak season
Busiest Season: July and August
Fishing Species: Cutthroat trout
Fishing Nearby: 1
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

Photos

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.