Two Medicine Lake Guide & Visitor Tips

Q: Is it worth the hike to Upper Two Medicine Lake?

Yes, especially if you want expansive alpine views. A boat tour from the dock provides access to western trailheads, and hikes to Upper Two Medicine Lake range from 2.2 miles one-way from the dock to about 5.5 miles from South Shore.

Q: Can I bring my dog to the Two Medicine area?

Dog policies vary by trail and area; verify current park rules before hiking, especially on inland trails and near wildlife habitats.

Q: Will my 65-year-old be able to walk to a view point?

There are drive-up viewpoints at the eastern end near the boat dock and store; however, longer hikes toward Upper Two Medicine Lake require good conditioning. The boat option offers easier access to certain viewpoints.

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

The water is glacier-fed and depends on light and wind; the surface often reflects the surrounding peaks with a tranquil, glassy appearance rather than a guaranteed ‘blue’ hue in all conditions.

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Overview

About This Attraction

Remote Two Medicine Lake mirrors a pair of rugged peaks along the eastern shore. A boat dock and the Two Medicine Store anchor the scene, while trails weave along the shoreline and toward Upper Two Medicine Lake. This cirque lake reveals its origin in ice; the valley was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, leaving a pristine water-filled basin to explore.

Best Time to Visit

Late May through early September; sunrise alpenglow on Sinopah and Rising Wolf, with fewer crowds in late spring or early fall.

Visitor Tips

Arrive by 8 AM—the lots are small and fill quickly.
Bear spray and group travel are essential; stay on trails and make noise.
Boat tours access western trailheads and Upper Two Medicine Lake.
Cell service is weak; download maps and directions before you go.

Details

Location & Features

GPS: 48°28′37″N 113°23′15″W

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Upper Two Medicine Lake; Twin Falls; Running Eagle Falls; Two Medicine Store; Grinnell Glacier area

Insider Tips

Start at 8 AM to secure parking
Boat tours provide rapid access to western shores and Upper Two Medicine Lake
Read the 1914 chalet history at the store
Dress in layers; bear spray is a must in bear country

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Drive-up to eastern end; interpretive signs; Running Eagle Falls Trail paved; some routes require moderate effort

Family Friendly:

Bear awareness; keep children close near water and on trails; very cold water

Nearby Facilities:

Two Medicine Store; campground; boat dock; interpretive signs around the area

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.8 /5

Based on 206 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

We had the best time at Two Medicine Lake. It was definitely more slower paced, peaceful and not nearly as overcrowded when compared to the other side of the park.

We took the boat tour and stepped off to hike back. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Beautiful waterfalls and scenery along the way. The hike had a few challenging parts to it but nothing too difficult. We went in early June and it was a little muddy so I would recommend hiking boots.

Very serene, quiet, and very real. We hiked to lake, Falls and outlook. Steep hike to outlook. Beats are in the area, we did see a partial grizzly and appreciated the loud growls after we cleared the area.

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FAQs

Do I really need to arrive before 8am to park?

Yes. The parking lots are small and fill quickly in peak season; arriving by 8 AM reduces the hassle and keeps your visit on schedule.

Is it worth the hike to Upper Two Medicine Lake?

Can I bring my dog to the Two Medicine area?

Will my 65-year-old be able to walk to a view point?

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

📖 wikipedia.org 📖 kiddle.co 📖 explorewithfinesse.com 📖 trailandhitch.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 enjoyyourparks.com 📖 glaciertourbase.com 📖 handstandsaroundtheworld.blog 📖 jacobsonscottages.com 📖 wereintherockies.com 📖 liveandlethike.com 📖 adventuresofaplusk.com 📖 alifeofadventures.com 📖 glacierparkboats.com 📖 roamingbearmedia.com 📖 glacier-national-park-travel-guide.com 📖 glacierparkcollection.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 allglacier.com 📖 panoramicpathways.com 📖 hikinginglacier.com 📖 sunshinewhispers.com 📖 glaciertwomedicine.org 📖 reddit.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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