Wild Goose Island - Glacial Lake Island

A cloudy view of Wild Goose Island in St. Mary Lake

A small island rises 14 feet above St. Mary Lake's surface, framed by glacially carved peaks—one of the park's most iconic vistas. This rocky knob is a glacial remnant, left standing as Pleistocene ice sheets retreated and scoured the surrounding valley far deeper. The accessible, paved overlook makes this among the park's most approachable geological sites, requiring nothing more than a parking stop.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48.6911253091,-113.530964164
Accessibility: Paved overlook accessible from parking area; no scrambling required

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Tips Advice: Observe the isolated island rising 14 feet above the lake surface—it's a glacial remnant showing how rock resistance determined erosion patterns during the ice age.
Notice the steep walls of the surrounding valley, characteristic of glacial sculpting.

More details

Park Area: Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor
Family Friendly Notes: Ideal for families. Parking and paved viewing area suitable for strollers and visitors with mobility limitations. Children can safely view without hazards.
Recent Updates: 2026: Going-to-the-Sun Road opens late June and closes mid-October (exact dates vary annually). Check NPS.gov for current opening/closing dates before visiting.
Attraction Type: Glacial Island
Accessibility Level: Drive-up view—no hiking required
How To Get There: Located on Going-to-the-Sun Road between St. Mary entrance and Logan Pass. Well-marked pullout with parking access on the eastern shore of St. Mary Lake.
Parking Availability: Auto parking at signed pullout
Road Type: Paved
Seasonal Access: Late June to mid-October when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open
Entry Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass) for park entrance; valid when road is open
Main Features: Glacial island 14 feet high, St. Mary Lake, surrounding peaks, accessible paved viewing area, parking
What Youll See: A small rocky island rising 14 feet from the lake surface, surrounded by glacially sculpted peaks and St. Mary Lake's blue water
Unique Characteristics: One of Glacier's most recognizable and frequently photographed scenes
Safety Considerations: This roadside overlook features paved access and secure parking with no exposed terrain hazards. Exercise standard vehicle safety when entering or exiting the parking area from traffic.
Photo Opportunities: Island silhouetted against mountain peaks; best light in early morning when sun angles across the peaks
Geological Formation Type: Glacial remnant
Scientific Interest: Demonstrates glacial differential erosion—the island's resistance to ice scouring explains its survival as a knob while the surrounding valley was excavated hundreds of feet deeper

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this worth stopping for?

Yes—it's one of Glacier's most recognizable and iconic vistas. Most visitors find a quick 15–30 minute stop rewarding for photos.

Do we need to pay an entrance fee?

Yes, Glacier National Park entrance is required: $35 per private vehicle (good for 7 days). Staffed ranger stations accept payment; self-service kiosks available if stations are closed.

Can we visit with mobility limitations?

Yes. Parking and a paved viewing area mean no hiking or scrambling is required. It's accessible for all mobility levels.

When can we visit?

Late June through mid-October when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. Check NPS.gov for exact opening dates, which vary year to year.

How long should we plan to spend?

Most visitors spend 15–30 minutes. It's designed as a quick scenic stop during a Going-to-the-Sun Road drive.