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.

Wild Goose Island - Glacial Lake Island

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Type

Glacial Island

Accessibility

Drive-up view—no hiking required

Features

Glacial island 14 feet high, St. Mary Lake, surrounding peaks, accessible paved viewing area, parking

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Glacial Island

Access

Drive-up view—no hiking required

Main Features

Glacial island 14 feet high, St. Mary Lake, surrounding peaks, accessible paved viewing area, parking

What You'll See

A small rocky island rising 14 feet from the lake surface, surrounded by glacially sculpted peaks and St. Mary Lake's blue water

What Makes It Special

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.

Visitor Tips

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.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Glacial Island

GPS: 48.6911253091,-113.530964164

What Makes It Unique:

One of Glacier's most recognizable and frequently photographed scenes

Geology

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

Getting There

Directions:

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.

Access Type: Drive-up view—no hiking required

Road: Paved

Seasonal Access: Late June to mid-October when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open

Parking: Auto parking at signed pullout

Entry Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass) for park entrance; valid when road is open

Photography & Viewing

Photo Opportunities:

Island silhouetted against mountain peaks; best light in early morning when sun angles across the peaks

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Paved overlook accessible from parking area; no scrambling required

Family Friendly:

Ideal for families. Parking and paved viewing area suitable for strollers and visitors with mobility limitations. Children can safely view without hazards.