7 Must-See Lakes in Glacier National Park
Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park is home to more than 700 of North America’s cleanest, clearest, and most beautiful lakes. Ranging from astonishing sapphire blue to milky turquoise to perfectly clear, the lakes of Glacier draw millions of visitors a year.
From paddleboarding to fishing, swimming to shore-side picnics, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Glacier National Park’s lakes. The question is which lakes are you going to visit? This is where we come in. With hundreds of lakes to discover, there’s no way to see all of them – or at least not on the same trip. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of 7 must-see lakes in Glacier National Park.
Lake Mcdonald
With the warmest water in the park, Lake McDonald is a great place to take boat tours, rent paddle boards or kayaks, fish, or go for a swim.
Lake McDonald is most famous for its “rainbow rocks” caused by iron and other mineral deposits that turn the rocks of the lakebed into beautiful shades of maroon, green, blue, and other colors. The lake’s clean, clear water makes the colorful rocks pop against the green, gray, and white of the towering mountain peaks in the background.
Saint Mary Lake
You might recognize this lake from the scenic opening credits of the 1980 classic movie The Shining. Some of the best pictures you’ll take on your trip to Glacier National Park can be taken at Saint Mary Lake from either Wild Goose Island Lookout or Sun Point. Wild Goose Island Lookout is located about seven miles from the Saint Mary Visitor Center on the Going to the Sun Road.
Sun Point is a little further down the road, about 10 miles from the Saint Mary Visitor Center. The Sun Point Nature Trail will take you on a short hike to an overlook with stunning views of nearby mountains.
Bowman Lake
Bowman Lake is nestled deep in the northwestern corner of Glacier National Park. Getting there requires you to leave the park and head up to Polebridge, MT before returning to the park. Bowman’s remote location means that you’ll find less visitors here.
As one of Glacier’s less visited lakes, Bowman Lake provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the true essence of Glacier National Park’s untamed beauty away from the crowds. The cold, clear water of Bowman Lake is perfect for fishing and kayaking.
Avalanche Lake
The majesty of Avalanche Lake cannot be overstated. Laying at the feet of Bearhat Mountain, Little Matterhorn, and Mt Brown, Avalanche Lake is fed by multiple waterfalls cascading down the mountains. Paired with the vibrant turquoise water, Avalanche Lake is arguably one of the most breathtaking parts of Glacier National Park.
Getting to Avalanche Lake requires a little more effort than the other lakes on our list. To get there, you’ll need to hike up about three miles from the Avalanche Campground Trailhead.
Swiftcurrent Lake
Swiftcurrent Lake is considered one of the best spots to see Glacier National Park’s wildlife. From the grounds of the famous Many Glacier Hotel, you can often see grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Fed by runoff and meltwater from surrounding glaciers, the water in Swiftcurrent Lake is too cold for algae and other bacteria that make water murky to survive, keeping the water pristine and clear. Swiftcurrent is surrounded by hiking trails that connect it to the last two lakes you can’t miss on your next trip to Glacier National Park.
Lake Josephine
Lake Josephine is connected to Swiftcurrent Lake by a relatively flat trail through the lush forest and towering mountains of the Many Glacier area. The milky turquoise water of Lake Josephine is distinctly different from Swiftcurrent’s clear waters.
At Lake Josephine, we recommend taking a boat tour that will take you across the lake and offer incredible views and photograph opportunities. When your tour is over, you can either head back down towards Swiftcurrent Lake or take the Grinnell Glacier Trail to the final lake on our list.
Grinnell Lake
Grinnell Lake is connected to Lake Josephine by a relatively easy trail. IF you’re starting from the dock of Lake Josephine, the trail to Grinnell Lake is approximately 2.5 miles long. The trail will take you through dense forests and alpine meadows before being rewarded with awe inspiring views of Mt. Grinnell and the Grinnell Glacier.
Because of its remote location, you might be sharing Grinnell Lake’s bright turquoise waters with wildlife such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and the occasional moose or grizzly bear. Be sure to take a short side trip to see Hidden Falls on your way up or back from Grinnell Lake.
Dry Off at Experience Montana Cabins
From the stunning turquoise waters of Grinnell Lake to the crystal clear water of Lake McDonald, each lake in Glacier National Park has a unique charm that will leave you with a greater appreciation for nature. The tranquil beauty and majesty of Glacier National Park always makes for an unforgettable experience.
Get the most out of your trip to Glacier by staying at Experience Montana Cabins in Bigfork, Montana. With carefully curated private cabins, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature close to Glacier. Get the best of both worlds by combining the rugged adventure of Glacier National Park with the comfortable amenities of Experience Montana Cabins.
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