Two Medicine Lake

Two Medicine Lake sits under towering Glacier peaks with evergreen forests lining the shore and a small red kayak on the calm blue water.

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.

Remote lake mirroring mountains with trails, a campground & boats, plus a 1914 chalet-turned-store.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48°28′37″N 113°23′15″W
Accessibility: Drive-up to eastern end; interpretive signs; Running Eagle Falls Trail paved; some routes require moderate effort

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Upper Two Medicine Lake; Twin Falls; Running Eagle Falls; Two Medicine Store; Grinnell Glacier area
Nearby Facilities: Two Medicine Store; campground; boat dock; interpretive signs around the area
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.
Tips Advice: 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.
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

More details

Park Area: Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Bear awareness; keep children close near water and on trails; very cold water
Attraction Type: Cirque Lake
Elevation Feet: 5164
Distance From Entrance: Eastern end drive-up; boat tour to western end
Accessibility Level: Drive-up view; some trails accessible; Running Eagle Falls Trail paved
How To Get There: 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.
Parking Availability: Small lots; overflow parking up the road; arrive by 8 AM
Road Type: Paved to boat dock; surrounding roads gravel
Seasonal Access: Late May–early September
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Cirque Lake; red Grinnell Argillite bed; boat dock; Two Medicine Store; Upper Two Medicine Lake; Running Eagle Falls Trail
What Youll 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
Unique Characteristics: Red Grinnell Argillite bed coloration; sacred Blackfeet significance; historic Two Medicine Store (1914 chalet); glacier-derived valley
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
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
Photography Spots: Eastern shore at sunrise; dock vantage; along South Shore Trail toward Upper Two Medicine Lake
Stargazing Quality: Moderate; dark skies away from town with park lighting
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Sunrise alpenglow on Sinopah and Rising Wolf
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 1
Interpretive Signs: 1
Cell Service: Weak
Water Available: 1
Guided Tours Available: 1
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
Nearby Services: Two Medicine Store; campground; Glacier Park Boats tours
Common Wildlife: Grizzly and black bears; moose; elk; bighorn sheep; mountain goats; wolves; beavers
Best Wildlife Times: Early mornings and late afternoons
Geological 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
Best Visit Times: Late May to early September; early mornings for wildlife viewing
Best Season: Late May to early September
Weather Patterns: Weather can be unpredictable; winds often pick up on the eastern side; rapid temperature changes possible
Peak Fill Times: Parking fills by 8 AM in peak season; use overflow lots when full
Busiest Season: July and August
Lake 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
Fishing Species: Two Medicine Lake's fish species are not listed in the current research dataset.
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 1
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Photos

Two Medicine Lake shoreline in Glacier National Park, with clear blue water, a pebbled beach, and evergreen forest backed by rugged mountains.

Two Medicine Lake shoreline with surrounding peaks along a gravel trail in Glacier National Park, Montana, under a bright blue sky.

Two Medicine Lake reflects forested slopes and snow-capped peaks under a bright sky in Glacier National Park.

Two Medicine Lake at Glacier National Park features a boat by the dock with towering canyon walls nearby.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.