For outdoor enthusiasts, Glacier National Park is a must-visit spot. Located in the wilds of northwestern Montana, the park encompasses about one million acres. Glacier’s scenery is absolutely stunning — endless meadows, towering mountains, melting glaciers, and pristine lakes. Established in 1910, the park sits along the border of the United States and Canada and is often called the “Crown of the Continent” due to its beauty. On the Canadian side of the border, you’ll also find Waterton Lakes National Park. Together, Waterton and Glacier were named an International Peace Park in 1932. During your trip, you can take in the beauty of both mountainous national parks on a breathtaking road trip.
The park is incredibly popular, attracting around 3 million visitors each year. Even though it’s a popular tourist destination, Glacier’s expansiveness makes it easy to find secluded spots in nature. Even during the peak tourist season, you won’t have any trouble finding hiking trails and hidden gems where you can escape the crowds. However, if you’re looking for a truly remote place to soak up the natural beauty, consider venturing to Two Medicine Lake. Located in a remote area of the national park, Two Medicine Lake provides the perfect opportunity to unplug and really immerse yourself in natural beauty
Making the most of your time at Two Medicine Lake
While beautiful, Two Medicine Lake remains one of the least explored places in Glacier National Park. You can find the lake towards the southeastern part of the national park, in an area less frequented by tourists. To get there, you will take Highway 49 to East Glacier. After turning on Two Medicine Road, you will eventually reach a parking area with a ticketing office at the lake. If you’re using GPS, you can type in 746 Two Medicine Road, East Glacier Park.
For hiking enthusiasts, Glacier National Park is a dream come true. There are more than 700 miles of trails to explore, with appropriate paths for all experience levels. From leisurely strolls to epic multi-day adventures, you could spend months exploring Glacier and still be left with more to experience. The hikes surrounding Two Medicine Lake are some of the most beautiful Glacier has to offer. The hike to Rockwell Falls via the 3.4-mile route along the South Shore Trail is a moderate trek, while experienced hikers may appreciate the Pitamakan – Dawson Loop trail. The 18.8-mile hike can be completed in a little over nine hours. It’s a challenging hike with significant elevation gain, but it’s one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park and offers sweeping views. While visiting the lake, you can also enjoy a lake tour aboard a historic wooden boat. The 45-minute boat tour costs about $20 per adult.
Booking your trip to Glacier National Park
Glacier Park International Airport is the most accessible place to fly into for your visit to Glacier. The airport is about a two-hour drive from Two Medicine Lake. Basic rental cars start at about $27 per day, and SUV rentals start at around $33 per day. (Make sure to research ahead of time to see if your route requires an all-wheel-drive vehicle.) If you’re visiting in the colder months, ensure you have the proper equipment for snow and ice.
If you want to base yourself near Two Medicine Lake, search for accommodations in East Glacier. You will find cabin rentals, a few motels, and bed and breakfasts. Prices start at around $90 per night for rooms, and expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for luxurious private cabin rentals, which may be an ideal option for those traveling with a family or group of friends.
Glacier National Park is open year-round, but the summer offers the most welcoming weather. July and August are the warmest months, but they’re also the busiest. June and September are excellent months of the shoulder seasons, with smaller crowds and pretty weather.
