Glacier National Park has an expansive trail system. Many of these trails can be accessed from one of our historic boat tours. Optional guided hikes are available at Two Medicine at no additional cost. Guided hikes will be available based on trail conditions and water levels. We recommend checking trail status via Glacier National Park’s Trail Status page.
We encourage all hikers to arrive at the dock wearing proper shoes and layered clothing for changing weather conditions. Please bring plenty of water* and snacks to stay hydrated and energized while on the trails. Bear spray is also commonly carried by hikers in Glacier National Park, please keep bear spray stowed inside of a backpack while aboard our boats to ensure there is no accidental discharge of bear spray while we are underway.
*The National Park Service recommends at minimum hikers should drink 1/2 liter of water for every hour hiking, you will need at least 3 liters of water, per person, to hike to Grinnell Glacier. There is no potable water beyond the Many Glacier Hotel.
Please check trail status prior to hiking.
Two Medicine Lake
Stroll through forests and sweeping alpine meadows while learning about the flora and geology on your way to see the double cascade waterfalls. Round trip distance is 1.8 miles with a slight 25-foot elevation gain. Total trip time boat and hike 2.5 hours.
The Two Medicine boat tour eliminates six miles off of your round-trip hike to Upper Two Medicine Lake, which offers unrivaled scenery and excellent fishing. Hike distance is 5 miles round trip from the boat.
All boat trips dock at the head of Two Medicine Lake and allow for hiking, if water levels and weather allow. For safety reasons, we do not recommend hiking alone. Return times at Two Medicine are 9:15, 10:15, 11:15*, 1:15*, 3:15* and 5:15*. All return times are on a first come first serve basis. Be aware that if you miss the last pickup at 5:15 pm, there will not be another boat returning to pick you up. If you are there for a return trip at 5:15 pm and there are more passengers waiting than can fit on the boat, the captain will return for the remaining passengers. If you miss the boat, it is a 3.5 mile hike back to the parking lot. Please note: If you are on the 5pm tour and go hiking, you will not make the last return boat at 5:15pm, you will need to walk the 3.5 miles back to the parking lot.
* Multiple trips to take everyone back to the main dock.
Many Glacier
Revel in the mountain fresh air and enjoy the coolness of old-growth forest as you walk to this pristine, turquoise lake. Our boat tours can reduce your hike to Grinnell Lake by four miles (round-trip) from the Many Glacier Hotel. After disembarking, round trip distance is 2 miles with minimal elevation gain. Typically this hike takes 1.5-2 hours depending on fitness level.
Our boat tours can reduce your hike to Grinnell Glacier hike by four miles (round-trip) from the Many Glacier Hotel. Round trip hike distance from the head of Lake Josephine is 7.6 miles with 1600 foot elevation gain, this hike can take 4-6 hours depending on fitness. The Grinnell Glacier trail does not typically open until mid-July. Passengers wishing to take the 8:30 am Scenic Tour will be required to disembark, the next available return boat is at 9:45 am.
All boat tours dock at the head of Lake Josephine to allow passengers to disembark for hiking, if water levels and weather allow. For safety reasons, we do not recommend hiking alone. Return trips from the head of Lake Josephine are 9:45, 11:45*, 1:45, 2:45, 3:30, 4:15**, 5:00 and 5:45*. All return times are first come first serve. Be aware that if you miss the last pickup at 5:45 pm, there will not be another boat returning to pick you up. If you miss the boat, it is a 2 mile hike back to the Many Glacier Hotel. Please note: If you are on the 5pm tour and go hiking, you will not make the last return boat at 5:45pm, you will need to walk the 2 miles back to the Many Glacier hotel. Please be prepared to wait up to an hour for late afternoon return trips, at the end of the day the captain will do multiple trips to ensure everyone is transported back to the Many Glacier Hotel.
* Multiple trips to take everyone back to the main dock.
** Begins July 1st
St. Mary Lake
Experience the stunning beauty of three breathtaking waterfalls on this unforgettable hike to Baring Falls, St. Mary Falls, and Virginia Falls. With a total elevation gain of 525 feet, this trail offers a rewarding journey through picturesque landscapes.
Kick off your waterfall adventure with a quick 5-minute walk from the boat to Baring Falls. This charming waterfall drops roughly 25 feet over a rock ledge, offering a serene and picturesque view that sets the tone for your hike.
From Baring Falls, the trail continues 1.6 miles to St. Mary Falls, where you’ll be treated to an impressive cascade that drops roughly 35 feet in three distinct tiers.
For those seeking more adventure, an additional 0.8 miles will lead you to Virginia Falls. This stunning multi-tiered waterfall features a dramatic main drop of approximately 50 feet, creating a spectacular sight that’s well worth the trek.
Two hours hiking time is provided with a total trip time including boat and hike is 3.5 hours.
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