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Two Medicine Lake

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Two Medicine Lake - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Two Medicine Lake

Top ways to experience Two Medicine Lake and nearby attractions

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Hiking , Montana , National Parks , Road Trips , United States · August 2, 2021

5 Things You SHOULD Do at Two Medicine, Glacier National Park

We loved our day spent at Two Medicine in Glacier National Park. We were surprised at how much there is to do here. It is such a beautiful place that offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages and abilities. I would definitely love to come back here to explore even more in the area.

About Two Medicine, Glacier National Park

Two Medicine is located in the Southeast part of Glacier National Park. There is a rich history coming from this area. The name Two Medicine comes from legends surrounding the area from tribes in the area. The Two Medicine area is considered very sacred to the Blackfeet Nation. This area was one of the most visited areas of Glacier National Park prior to the completion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Where to Stay at Two Medicine

In the park, two medicine campground.

There is one campground at Two Medicine. Two Medicine Campground has around 100 sites, though only 10 can accommodate longer trailers or RVs. All of the sites here are first-come, first-serve, and cannot be reserved in advance. This campground has good reviews and is located very close to the Two Medicine Lake.

Outside the Park

East glacier.

The town of East Glacier is the closest town to Two Medicine. It is about 13 miles away from Two Medicine. Here there are several lodging options ranging from campgrounds to luxury hotels. In the higher cost category there is Glacier Park Lodge which is a historic lodge built by the Great Northern Railway. A more affordable option is Mountain Pine Hotel .  One of the cheapest options in East Glacier include camping at Red Eagle Campground which is ran by the Blackfeet Tribe and has amazing reviews.

5 Things You Should Do At Two Medicine, Glacier National Park

 1. take the boat tour across the lake.

Glacier Park Boat Company runs a boat across Two Medicine Lake to the South Shore Trailhead on the other side of the lake. This trailhead is a good starting point for many of this area’s best hikes. The boat costs $16.75 per adult and $8.25 per child age 4-12 years old. We loved the boat tour, since as it takes you across the lake, the captain gives information on the area and tells many stories and legends surrounding the Two Medicine Lake. It was informative and light-hearted, while giving some of the best views of the surrounding mountains from the middle of the lake. During the ride, you can also go out on the bow of the boat to absorb all of the views and feel the cool wind on your face. When the ride commences at the other end of the lake, you have the option of getting off to hike the trails or remaining on the boat to head immediately back to the main area. This was my favorite boat ride in Glacier National Park. The Glacier Park Boat Company also rents out kayaks and other watercraft if you would prefer to take it slower, but still be on the water.

2. Hike to Twin Falls

The Twin Falls Trail is a trail that takes you to Twin Falls, which is where two large cascades merge to form the Two Medicine Creek that runs into Two Medicine Lake. If you take the trail from the South Shore Trailhead where the boat drops you off, it is 1.8 miles round-trip. However, if you decide to walk around the lake instead of taking the boat , it would be around 8 miles round-trip. The trail weaves through pine groves along the Two Medicine Creek. It is a beautiful area that is worth visiting. We waded across the rushing creek to get closer to the right side of the falls that has step-like rocks up. The trail to this point is relatively flat and easy. Near the falls, there are pit toilets if you are in need of one. Since it follows the water for most of the way, it tends to be very buggy, so make sure to bring some bug repellent.

3. Hike to Upper Two Medicine Lake

Upper Two Medicine Lake can be accessed from the same trail that spurs off to Twin Falls. If you go to Twin Falls, return back around 0.1 miles to the only intersection and continue right instead of turning back the direction you came from when you got off the boat. Continue another 1.3 miles and you will end up at Upper Two Medicine Lake. The trail weaves through gorgeous flower-filled valleys. It is gorgeous here and much quieter than Two Medicine Lake. When we were here in the end of June, there was still a great deal of snow close to the lake, but we were able to traverse it in sandals. If you have the time, this lake is definitely worth a visit. Bring a picnic lunch and you could easily spend the entire day in this area. In total, if you leave from the South Shore Trailhead where the boat drops you off, it would be a total of 4.4 miles round-trip, but if you walk around the lake it would be around 10 miles round-trip.

4. Walk Around Two Medicine Lake

Instead of taking the boat, there is the option to walk around Two Medicine Lake, which will add anywhere from 3-4 miles to the South Shore Trailhead one way. This is an option for you if you have extra time, want to save money by not buying boat tickets, or are unable to get boat tickets. You can walk back on either side of the lake. This would give you unique views of the lake.  

5. Hang out on the Shore of Two Medicine Lake

At the main Two Medicine Lake parking area, there is a small rocky beach on the lake. Here is a nice place to dip your feet in the water and feel the cold mountain lake on your feet. There is a store nearby where you could buy nice refreshments and hang out on the shore of the lake enjoying the gorgeous mountain views. Bring a blanket and enjoy the lake as you reminisce on a great day of hiking in Glacier National Park.

Overall, these were the things that we really enjoyed in the Two Medicine Area of Glacier National Park. It is worth the visit to this area and you will find a lot of beauty here.

Have you been to Two Medicine? What was your favorite part?

Let me know any questions or comments you may have in the comments below!

Heading to Glacier National Park? You may be interested in these other posts:

Glacier National Park Guide

Many Glacier Guide

Going-to-the-Sun Road

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Two Medicine Lake

Top ways to experience Two Medicine Lake and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Two Medicine Lake - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Glacier Park Boat Company

Scenic Boat Tours in Glacier National Park since 1938!

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Same day reservations are not available, go directly to the ticket office of your desired tour or rental location to purchase day of tickets.

This service is operated by Glacier Park Boat Company, a Concessioner under contract with the U.S. Government and administered by the National Park Service. The Concessioner is responsible for conducting these operations in a satisfactory manner. Services and prices are approved by the National Park Service.

Please address comments to: Superintendent Glacier National Park PO Box 128 West Glacier, Montana 59936

Glacier Park Boat Company 282 Sunrise Creek Loop Columbia Falls, MT 59912 406-257-2426 888-611-0747

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Two Medicine: Boat Ride, Hike to Twin Falls

The Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park is well worth the effort it takes to get there. And once you’re there, you should take the relaxing cruise across the lake to the far end, where an easy hike to a nice double-waterfall awaits.

The road that takes you into the Two Medicine section of Glacier National Park ends with this beautiful view.  Okay, the crowd of people is not especially beautiful, especially if you’re hoping to grab a standby seat on the Sinopah, like I was.  Fortunately, there were a few extra seats, and that meant that I could take the short cruise out to the Twin Falls trailhead.

It was even better news, because there wasn’t much else I could do at Two Medicine.  Because of a storm that hit the area just a few days earlier (a snowstorm at the higher elevations, and lots of rain in lower areas), water levels were higher than usual.  That meant many of the trails were either snowy, muddy, or completely flooded.

The Sinopah departs from this spot at 9am, 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm (as of June, 2014 — double-check the departure times for your arrival date).  Adults and teenagers are $12.25, kids ages 4-12 are $6 (again, as of 2014).  You can, and should, make reservations, if your travel abilities allow it.

The Glacier Park Boat Company dates back to 1938, but the boat is even older than that.  The Sinopah was built in 1924, which means it was 90 years old when I took a ride.  Other boats, only slightly newer, operate on some of Glacier’s other lakes.

Onboard the boat, you can gaze out the window at the beautiful scenery, right next to your seat.

The windows slide open and closed, just in case it’s too breezy for you.

There’s enough room at the front of the boat …

…to allow a few passengers to rotate in and out, enjoying a brief view of the mountains ahead.

The dock is located around the other side of the base of the mountain on the right.  It’s just enough of a curve that you can’t see the whole lake from the dock.

As soon as we landed, I couldn’t figure out why everyone seemed to be sitting down on the dock, and taking off their shoes.  Because of the flooding, we would all have to wade through some very cold water for a few yards, to get from the dock to the boardwalk.

This view looks back towards the lake and the dock, from the upper end.  That shelter is next to the dock — but it was flooded, just like all the other land around it.  Fortunately, that one gap in the boardwalk was the only place that would require any wading.

The hike from the dock to Twin Falls is about one mile.

Along the way, there are a couple of creek crossings.  This one was three logs wide, which was a luxury…

… compared to this one, which was obviously still under construction.  Wide or narrow, I was lucky it was there, otherwise the trail would be impassable.

The path up to Twin Falls is pretty, but not extraordinary.  You’ll see some mountain peaks poking up above the trees in some spots (including Pumpelly Pillar, elevation 7,620 feet), but the rest of the time, you’re in the forest.

For a longer hike, you can skip the side-trail to Twin Falls and continue to Upper Two Medicine Lake Trail.

I gave it some serious consideration, but decided not to try it, because the trail looked like this.  Winter sticks around for quite a while in Glacier National Park.  This slushy mess would have been very difficult to hike on.

So, I went on to Twin Falls.

If you managed to separate from the pack of people who shared the boat ride with you, you’ll meet back up with them here.  Maneuver through the crowd and find your spot along the edge of the river.  The creek, which originates upstream at No Name Lake, splits briefly as it tumbles down the mountainside, then combines again, right below your feet.

This is about the best view you can get of both cascades at once.  They are so close, it can be tough to take a good picture of them both at the same time, without a very wide-angle lens.

It’s much easier to get some pretty photos of the colorful rocks in the stream bed…

… as well as some of the nearby plant life.

On the hike back, you’ll be looking towards Rising Wolf Mountain, on the north side of the lake.

If you didn’t want to take the boat back, or if you missed the boat, you could take trails on either the north or south side of the lake.  The north side is shorter, but it begins and ends at the campground, not the parking area, so you’d need to add some extra distance.  Also, once you’re at the boat dock, the south side trail is closer — you’d have to backtrack towards the falls to reach the north shore trail.

I had no intention of hiking farther than I needed to — but when I arrived back at the boat dock, I was far from alone. Dozens of people had already taken off their socks, waded out to the dock, and put their shoes back on.  All those people filled the boat to capacity (remember, some people don’t disembark here, so some of the seats aren’t available).

Everyone made it aboard… except for me, and two women.  The crew promised to make a special run, just for us, and said they’d be back as quickly as possible.  But how fast can a 90-year-old boat go?

I thought about hiking back, but I had heard another hiker talk about flooded conditions on one of the routes.  He said the water was chest-high, and he had to find alternate routes on higher ground, making the trip take much longer.  No matter how long the boat took, I figured, the hike back would be longer.

And I must admit, there are worse places to be stranded than on a sunny boat dock, over a peaceful, reflective lake, surrounded by the spectacular mountains of Glacier National Park.  Getting stranded here was actually a great thing — especially since one of the two ladies waiting with me was a Montana resident with plenty of hiking trail suggestions.

The return of the Sinopah took 40 minutes.  As I boarded, I realized, not only had the delay given me some relaxing time on the dock, it also gave me the entire boat, almost to myself.

And that gave me the freedom to take some pictures out the back…

… and off the front of the boat, as it made its way back to the parking area.

Two Medicine Lake looked much different on this day in late June, than it did on my previous visit in mid-September, 2006.

Back then, I was just late enough in the season that all the businesses (including this gift shop/store) had shut down and boarded up for the winter.

It was a gritty day, with a cloud-covered sky and a bracing wind blowing off the lake.  That time, I stayed for about five minutes, before retreating.  Of course, in this area, you can get a nasty day (and even snow) anytime, so plan accordingly.  You can read about my 2006 visit to Two Medicine Lake here .

The Bottom Line

The boat ride across Two Medicine Lake will be the highlight of your visit to the lake.  The hike to Twin Falls is relatively easy and pretty, but it lacks the “wow” moments of other Glacier hikes.  Arriving earlier in the day could allow you more time to hike to the upper lake and back, before the last boat departs.  Just make sure the trail is clear of snow (talk to a park ranger).

The Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park is located on the southeast side. From US 2 at East Glacier Park Village, take Montana Route 49 north to the Two Medicine entrance. From Going-To-The-Sun’s east end, take US 89 south to MT 49 south, then watch for the Two Medicine entrance (going this direction, you will need to make a very sharp turn onto the park road).

Follow the park road to the end. The boat dock is located next to the parking area. You can’t miss it.

Drivelapse Video

Check out this time-lapse, dash-cam video of the drive from East Glacier Park Village into Two Medicine, via Montana 49:

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Best Hikes in Two Medicine / East Glacier, Glacier NP

Location: Glacier National Park, Montana

Two Medicine Hiking Trails

Distance: 8.5 - 13.0 miles (Round Trip)

This terrific day hike leads to a high pass on the Continental Divide with breathtaking views of the Lewis Range and the Big Horn Basin. Along the way the trail enjoys stunning views of Two Medicine Lake, traverses scenic meadows and offers the chance to see wildlife.

Distance: 15.2 - 17.4 miles (Round Trip)

This long, strenuous hike, best done as a backpack, travels through some of the best scenery in the southern half of Glacier National Park.

Distance: 9.0 - 15.4 miles (Round Trip)

This hike travels up a long, pretty valley to Cobalt Lake and then climbs to a scenic pass on the Continental Divide with panoramic views of the peaks surrounding the Park Creek Valley to the west along with Sinopah Mountain, Mt. Rockwell and Painted Teepee Peak.

Distance: 10.2 miles (Round Trip)

Lovely, lightly trafficked trail ascends to a high pass in the southern section of Glacier National Park with fine views of the peaks rising above the Railroad Creek and Ole Creek Valleys. In season the meadows along the trail are awash in wildflowers.

Distance: 6.2 - 7.7 miles (Round Trip)

Panoramic, bird’s-eye-views of the high peaks rimming the Two Medicine Valley and beyond is the reward for hikers making the sustained, moderately-steep climb to a ridge high above the southeast end of Two Medicine Lake.

Distance: 2.2 - 9.8 miles (Round Trip)

This easily hike features stunning views of the peaks surrounding the Two Medicine Valley, visits a beautiful pair of cascading waterfalls and a end at a scenic lake ringed by rugged peaks.

View Hikes by Area: Glacier National Park, Montana Many Glacier St Mary Two Medicine Lake McDonald

Explore the Hidden Gem of Two Medicine Lake at Glacier National Park

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Two Medicine Lake is a hidden gem located in the heart of Montana’s stunning Rocky Mountains. With crystal-clear waters and towering peaks as a backdrop, this peaceful lake offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. A variety of activities awaits you here, including hiking, fishing, boating, and photography, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know to plan the ultimate trip to this Montana paradise. We will also cover where to stay, when to visit, and how to get there. Read on to learn all that Two Medicine Lake has to offer!

Table of Contents

About Two Medicine Lake

Two Medicine Lake is a beautiful glacial lake located in Glacier National Park in Montana. The lake gets its name from the Blackfeet tribe, who used the area for spiritual and medicinal purposes. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks, including Sinopah Mountain, Rising Wolf Mountain, and Mount Henry .

The area around Two Medicine Lake is popular for nature lovers and photographers due to the variety of wildlife that inhabits it. Large animals, such as bears, elk, and mountain goats are commonly seen in this area. There are a number of different species of fish in the lake, including rainbow trout and brook trout . It is not as well known for fishing as some other lakes in the region, so anglers who come here may have bettter luck.

One of the reasons why Two Medicine Lake is such a popular destination for photographers is because of the colorful rocks in the water . These rocks consist of different shades of green, red, orange, and other colors due to varying degrees of iron and other substances. When the waters of the lake are still, especially in the mornings, the colorful rocks make it especially picture-worthy.

How to Get to Two Medicine Lake

Depending on where you are located, the most convenient options for getting to Two Medicine Lake are by flying to the nearby airport , or by taking your car there .

Two Medicine Lake by car

The easiest way to get to Two Medicine Lake is by car. The lake is located in the southeastern part of Glacier National Park, about 20 minutes from the town of East Glacier Park. To get to the lake, take U.S. Highway 2 to East Glacier Park and follow the signs to the park. Once you’re inside the park, follow the signs to Two Medicine Lake . There is a fee to enter the park and you’ll need to purchase a pass before entering . There is also a vehicle registration requirement to enter , but if you are staying at a campsite or have booked a tour in the Two Medicine area, that fee will be waived .

Two Medicine Lake by plane

If you are visiting from further away, the nearest airport is the Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana . There are a number of other airports in the region as well, including the Missoula International Airport and the Great Falls International Airport . From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the lake. There are a number of shuttle services that operate in the area, including Glacier National Park Lodges and Montana Shuttle . These companies offer shuttle service to and from the lake, as well as other destinations in the region.

What to Do at Two Medicine Lake

While there is plenty to see and do at Two Medicine Lake, here are our recommended top 5!

Hike the surrounding mountains

One of the most popular activities at Two Medicine Lake is hiking. The area is home to a number of trails that offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Some of the most popular trails include the Two Medicine Pass Trail, the Upper Two Medicine Lake Trail, and the Dawson Pass Trail. These trails range in difficulty and length, so there’s something for hikers of all abilities.

Fishing is another popular activity at the lake. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout , and brook trout . A Montana fishing license is required to fish in the lake, and can be obtained at the park’s visitor centers or online . This lake isn’t as popular of a fishing spot as other lakes in the region, so you may have a better chance of catching something!

Take a kayak around the lake

Boating is also permitted on the lake, and is a great way to take in the scenery and spot wildlife. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the Two Medicine Boat Dock , and there are also several boat launches around the lake. I highly recommend renting a kayak or canoe and explore the lake. Just make sure not to fall in because the water temperature will be pretty cold!

Photography

Two Medicine Lake is a popular destination for photographers due to its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere . The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating breathtaking reflections that make for stunning compositions. If you are lucky, you may even spot some large wildlife wandering around the lake! Even if you are not a professional, you can still capture remarkable shots with just a smartphone or a basic camera.

Visit nearby attractions

In addition to the activities at the lake, there are also several nearby attractions to explore. Glacier Lake National Park has numerous hiking trails, such as the Avalanche Lake trail , as well as boat tours , and wildlife viewing opportunities . You can also drive up the popular Going-To-The-Sun Mountain , perfect for a day trip from the lake. The town of East Glacier Park is also nearby, and offers restaurants, shopping, and other amenities.

Best Time to Visit Two Medicine Lake

Glacier National Park is busiest in the summer months, from June to September . This is when the weather is warmest and the days are longest, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations. If you visit in the summer, you should come to the lake in the morning. You will be able to appreciate its serenity before all the crowds come.

Spring and fall are also great times to visit the park. The weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller, making for a more peaceful and less crowded experience. In the spring, you’ll be able to see the park’s many wildflowers in bloom, while in the fall, the trees turn beautiful shades of orange and yellow.

Winter is a less popular time to visit the park, but it can be a great opportunity to experience the park’s snow-covered landscapes. The park is open year-round, but some roads and facilities may be closed due to snow. If you’re planning a winter visit, be sure to check the park’s website for updates on road and facility closures.

Note: While Glacier National Park may be open year-round, Two Medicine Lake is usually only open from May to October .

Where to Stay around Two Medicine Lake

If you’re planning a visit to Two Medicine Lake in Glacier National Park, there are several options for accommodations in the area. Certain options may be more appealing depending on convenience, location, and your budget. 

Two Medicine Campground

The Two Medicine Campground is the closest to the lake and offers tent and RV sites. The campground has flush toilets, bear-proof food storage, and a dump station. In the summer, these sites cost $20/night and are first come, first served. There are also several lodges in the area, offering rooms, cabins, and apartments.

East Glacier Park

Another option is to stay in a nearby town or city and visit the lake as a day trip. The nearest town is East Glacier Park , which is about a 20-minute drive from the lake . East Glacier Park has several hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts to choose from. The Glacier Park Lodge is a popular option for visitors.

Backcountry Campsite

If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, there are also several backcountry campsites in the area. These campsites can only be accessed by hiking or boating , and do not have running water or toilets. A permit is required to stay at a backcountry campsite , and can be obtained from the park’s visitor centers.

Tips for Visiting

Before your trip to Two Medicine Lake, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

1. Arrive to the lake early

I was one of the first people to the lake, and I was rewarded with views of the perfectly-still water . I also did not have to wait for a kayak to become available. Those who arrived later in the morning had to wait up to an hour before a kayak became available to them.

2. Stay away from the wildlife

If you are lucky enough to see wildlife, especially large animals such as elk or bears, leave them alone . Every year, there are tourists who get too close to animals in National Parks and are injured or killed. Admire them from a distance and respect their territory.

3. Bring the right clothes

Even if you visit Glacier National Park in the summer, the nights can get very cold . Make sure you always have warm clothes for when the sun goes down, as well as appropriate clothes for the daytime heat . 

4. Reserve your entry tickets in advance

Glacier National Park can get very busy during its peak season. If you do not reserve your ticket in advance, you may not be allowed to enter the park! This would definitely ruin your whole trip, so make sure you plan ahead .

5. Visit during the shoulder season

If you come to visit during the spring or fall, t here will be much fewer crowds that you will have to deal with . Not only will you enjoy more time to yourself, but there will also be more vacancies at camp sites and nearby hotels. Keep in mind, Two Medicine Lake is usually only open from May to October , so do not plan on visiting outside of those months!

Need help planning your trip? Click HERE to find a variety of tools and information that can help make your travel planning more enjoyable.

Resources for your trip.

Book A Cheap Flight The first place to look for cheap flights is Skyscanner . This website gathers information from different companies and websites around the world to find the best deals for you. One of their best features is the ability to see the cheapest day to fly each month. Google Flights is another excellent resource.

Book A Place To Stay Booking.com is my go-to website for booking accommodations. They consistently have some of the best prices for hotels and frequently have deals. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . If you specifically want to rent a home, check out AirBnB or Vrbo .

Looking For A Tour? The best resource for looking up tours is GetYourGuide . This company will make planning your itinerary a breeze. For budget travelers , I recommend looking up available tours here and trying to organize them yourself to save some money.

Use Your Phone Abroad Whenever I travel abroad, I use Airalo . This is a company that offers eSIM services via a phone app. It is very convenient and you won’t have to worry about swapping SIM cards out of your phone. You can pay a few dollars for plans that range from 1 week to 1 year. Use the Promo Code ANDREW9734 for $3 off your first purchase!

How To Travel On A Budget? Traveling on a budget is my specialty. Check out my post on Traveling Internationally With Only A Personal Item . For other ideas on saving money while traveling, check out my ebook The World Is Yours: How to Afford International Travel on a Budget .

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Andy Alcala

Hey there! I'm a travel enthusiast always seeking new adventures. I've visited over 70 countries, mostly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. I prefer to travel off the beaten path, where I've discovered hidden gems and authentic cultural experiences that are often overlooked by most travelers. I look forward to sharing my stories with you!

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Two Medicine | Glacier National Park, Montana