Two Medicine Lake

+2 more

Type

Cirque Lake

Accessibility

Drive-up view; some trails accessible; Running Eagle Falls Trail paved

Best Season

Late May to early September

Busiest Season

July and August

Features

Cirque Lake; red Grinnell Argillite bed; boat dock; Two Medicine Store; Upper Two Medicine Lake; Running Eagle Falls Trail

Elevation

5,164 ft

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Cirque Lake

Elevation

5,164 ft

Access

Drive-up view; some trails accessible; Running Eagle Falls Trail paved

Main Features

Cirque Lake; red Grinnell Argillite bed; boat dock; Two Medicine Store; Upper Two Medicine Lake; Running Eagle Falls Trail

What You'll See

Remote lake with glassy surface reflecting surrounding peaks; eastern shore near the boat dock and store; campground nearby; beaver ponds along the South Shore Trail; a 1914 chalet-turned-store

What Makes It Special

Red Grinnell Argillite bed coloration; sacred Blackfeet significance; historic Two Medicine Store (1914 chalet); glacier-derived valley

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.

Safety Considerations

Bear country; carry bear spray; stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 75 feet from other large animals; water is extremely cold; footing can be slippery on mossy rocks

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

Type: Cirque Lake

Elevation: 5,164 ft

Distance from Entrance: Eastern end drive-up; boat tour to western end

GPS: 48°28′37″N 113°23′15″W

What Makes It Unique:

Red Grinnell Argillite bed coloration; sacred Blackfeet significance; historic Two Medicine Store (1914 chalet); glacier-derived valley

Water Feature Details

Height: Not available

Size: Two Medicine Lake: approx. 2 miles long, 0.33 miles wide; Upper Two Medicine Lake: approx. 1.1 miles long, 0.2 miles wide

Flow/Best Viewing: Not available

Fish Species: Not specified

Geology

Formation Type: Cirque Lake (glacially formed; cirque valley with red Grinnell Argillite)

Scientific Interest:

Glacial history; visible argillite coloration; native cultural significance; historic railway-era signs

Getting There

Directions:

From the park’s east side entrances, drive to the eastern end of Two Medicine Lake; park near the boat dock and general store; boat tours depart from the dock to reach western trailheads.

Access Type: Drive-up view; some trails accessible; Running Eagle Falls Trail paved

Road: Paved to boat dock; surrounding roads gravel

Seasonal Access: Late May–early September

Parking: Small lots; overflow parking up the road; arrive by 8 AM

Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee

Trails

Trailheads Here:

South Shore Trailhead; Running Eagle Falls Trail; boat dock access

Connecting Trails:

South Shore Trail; Upper Two Medicine Lake trails; boat tour routes to trailheads

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Eastern end near the boat dock; viewpoints along the boat tour route toward the western shore; overlook points on the South Shore Trail toward Upper Two Medicine Lake

Photo Opportunities:

Sunrise alpenglow on Sinopah and Rising Wolf; reflections in calm water; golden hour at the eastern shore

Best Photo Spots:

Eastern shore at sunrise; dock vantage; along South Shore Trail toward Upper Two Medicine Lake

Sunrise/Sunset: Sunrise alpenglow on Sinopah and Rising Wolf

Stargazing: Moderate; dark skies away from town with park lighting

Facilities

Restrooms (Vault toilets)
Potable Water
Picnic Areas
Interpretive Signs
Guided Tours Available

Cell Service: Weak

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Grizzly and black bears; moose; elk; bighorn sheep; mountain goats; wolves; beavers

Best Wildlife Viewing: Early mornings and late afternoons

Wildflower Peak: Not available

Fall Colors Peak: Not available

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late May to early September

Best Times: Late May to early September; early mornings for wildlife viewing

Road Opens: Not available

Busiest: July and August

Parking Fills: Parking fills by 8 AM in peak season; use overflow lots when full

Snow Until: Not available

Winter Access: Not available

Weather:

Weather can be unpredictable; winds often pick up on the eastern side; rapid temperature changes possible

Activities

Boating Allowed

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

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

Nearby Services:

Two Medicine Store; campground; Glacier Park Boats tours

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

Based on 206 guest reviews

" Two Medicine Lake delivers serene glacier-era scenery and practical access via the eastern end, including a historic store and boat tours. Parking can be tight in peak season, and wildlife is abundant, so stay alert and travel in groups. The red argillite bed and reflective water highlight the deep glacial history of Glacier National Park."

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.

Showing 3 of 206 reviews

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

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Details

Location & Features

Water Feature Details

Geology

Getting There

Trails

Photography & Viewing

Facilities

Wildlife & Nature

Seasonal Information

Activities

Nearby

Insider Tips

Visitor Information

Location

Address & Directions

Proximity

Reviews

The YNPG Verdict

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Two Medicine Lake

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

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