Expert Guide to Two Medicine - Glacier National Park

Considering a trip to Glacier National Park, but looking to avoid the crowds? For a location that combines stunning scenery with solitude, look no further than Two Medicine—a corner of Glacier that feels like your secret haven. Nestled in the park’s southeastern section, Two Medicine offers adventure, beauty, and a profound sense of tranquility. You’ll wonder why more people aren’t flocking here. But that’s the beauty of it—Two Medicine is a bit off the beaten path.

Before the construction of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Two Medicine was a bustling hub for park visitors and a place steeped in rich history. In fact, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a radio address in 1934 from the Two Medicine Chalet. The chalet is a National Historic Landmark and is now a general store and the starting point for several trails and boat tours from Two Medicine Lake.

Photo courtesy of nplas.org

What We'll Cover In This Guide:

• 2026 Access Updates
• Top Attractions in Two Medicine
• Best Hiking Trails
• Boat Tours
• Camping & Lodging
• Getting There
• Frequently Asked Questions

2026 Access Updates for Two Medicine

Great news for 2026: Glacier National Park has eliminated vehicle reservations entirely. There are no timed-entry road passes, no advance vehicle reservation requirements, and no online permits needed to drive to Two Medicine. Simply arrive, pay the standard park entrance fee (or show your America the Beautiful pass), and enjoy the valley.

Two Medicine Road is a spur off US-89, south of St. Mary. The drive into the valley is approximately 8 miles on a paved road and is accessible for all standard passenger vehicles. There is no shuttle service into Two Medicine — personal vehicle is the only way in.

Top Attractions in Two Medicine

Two Medicine Lake

Two Medicine Lake is the valley's centerpiece — a glacier-carved body of water set beneath towering peaks including Sinopah Mountain, Rising Wolf Mountain, and Painted Tepee Peak. The views from the lakeshore are among the most dramatic in all of Glacier. A short loop trail circles the lower portion of the lake. The Two Medicine Camp Store, housed in the historic 1913 Two Medicine Chalet, sits at the lakeshore and offers snacks, gear, and shuttle boat tickets.

Aster Falls and Upper Two Medicine Lake

One of the most popular day hikes in Two Medicine, the Aster Falls and Upper Two Medicine Lake trail covers about 9 miles round-trip. The trail passes Aster Creek, climbs to a dramatic waterfall, and continues to the remote Upper Two Medicine Lake — a quiet, high alpine setting surrounded by cliffs and glacially sculpted terrain. This hike rewards those who go the full distance with solitude and scenery that rivals anything in the park.

Two Medicine Chalet (National Historic Landmark)

The Two Medicine Chalet is one of the surviving examples of the original Great Northern Railway chalets built to encourage tourism in Glacier. Now operating as the Two Medicine Camp Store, it anchors the day-use area at the trailhead. The building itself is worth a visit — the architectural style and setting offer a window into the golden age of national park tourism in the early 20th century.

Scenic Overlooks and Photography Spots

Two Medicine offers some of Glacier's best and least-crowded photography. The view from the boat dock toward Sinopah Mountain — especially in the early morning when the peak reflects in the calm lake — is one of the park's signature shots. The valley also holds several unnamed viewpoints along the access road and trail network that offer stunning mountain panoramas.

Best Hiking Trails in Two Medicine

Running Eagle Falls (Trick Falls)

Running Eagle Falls is one of the easiest and most rewarding hikes in Glacier. The 0.6-mile round-trip trail leads to a two-tiered waterfall with a geological twist: in high water, the upper falls spills over the rock face; in low water, a lower opening reveals a second waterfall emerging from within the rock. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the Blackfeet cultural history of the site. Perfect for families, seniors, and anyone with limited time.

Scenic Point Trail

Scenic Point is the definitive Two Medicine hike for those seeking big views. The 9.6-mile round-trip trail climbs aggressively — gaining over 2,300 feet — to a rocky promontory with 360-degree views stretching from the park's high peaks to the eastern plains. This hike rewards effort: the panorama from the top on a clear day is simply extraordinary. Start early to beat afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.

Dawson-Pitamakan Pass Loop

The Dawson-Pitamakan Pass Loop is considered one of the finest backpacking routes in the entire park. The 18-mile loop crosses two high mountain passes, skirts the edge of Pitamakan Lake and Oldman Lake, and offers sustained views of glaciers and remote terrain. Day hikers can get a taste of the lower portions, but the full loop requires an overnight backcountry permit from the park service. Book your permit well in advance — this route is popular.

Cobalt Lake Trail

Cobalt Lake is a 12-mile round-trip hike to a high alpine lake perched in a cirque beneath Mt. Rockwell. The trail passes through meadows, forest, and steep switchbacks before emerging at the turquoise lake surrounded by talus. Wildflowers are spectacular in July. Fewer hikers make it this far than to Running Eagle Falls or Scenic Point, making Cobalt Lake a good choice for those seeking relative solitude.

No Name Lake Trail

No Name Lake is a moderate 9-mile round-trip hike with excellent scenery and far fewer crowds than the park's more famous destinations. The trail climbs steadily through subalpine terrain to a small, picturesque lake set below sheer cliff walls. The quiet of Two Medicine carries through to most of its trails — even popular routes here feel far less congested than Logan Pass on a summer weekend.

Boat Tours on Two Medicine Lake

The boat tour across Two Medicine Lake is one of Glacier's most underrated experiences. Operated by Glacier Park Boat Company, the tours depart from the dock near the Two Medicine Camp Store. The narrated tour covers the lake's geology, history, and ecology. Connecting boat tours can drop hikers at the far end of the lake, dramatically shortening the approach to Cobalt Lake and other upper valley destinations.

Tours run seasonally — typically late June through Labor Day weekend. Book in advance online, as the small boat fills quickly on busy summer days. Tickets are available at glacierparkboats.com.

Camping & Lodging Near Two Medicine

Two Medicine Campground

Two Medicine Campground sits at the shore of Two Medicine Lake with views across the water to Sinopah Mountain. With 99 sites (no hookups), it's one of the most scenically located campgrounds in all of Glacier. Reservations are available through recreation.gov and are strongly recommended for July and August. The campground has restrooms and potable water but no showers.

Lodging Near Two Medicine

There is no in-valley lodging other than the campground. The nearest hotels and cabins are in East Glacier (5 miles south) and Browning (20 miles east). East Glacier has several classic options including the Glacier Park Lodge (open seasonally) and a number of B&Bs and motels that cater to park visitors. Book early — East Glacier lodging fills in July.

Getting to Two Medicine

Two Medicine is located in the southeastern corner of Glacier National Park. From the town of East Glacier on US-2, head north on Montana Highway 49 for about 4 miles, then turn left onto Two Medicine Road. Follow it 8 miles into the valley. From St. Mary, drive south on US-89, then west on MT-49 to Two Medicine Road — approximately 40 minutes total.

There is no public transportation to Two Medicine. A personal vehicle is required. Parking at the trailhead is available but fills by late morning on peak summer days — arrive before 9 AM in July and August.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a vehicle reservation to visit Two Medicine in 2026?

No. Glacier National Park has eliminated vehicle reservations for 2026. There are no timed-entry passes required — for Two Medicine or any other part of the park. Simply drive in, pay your entrance fee, and enjoy.

Is there shuttle service to Two Medicine?

No. Two Medicine is not served by the Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle. A personal vehicle is the only way to access the valley.

What is the best hike in Two Medicine?

For most visitors, Running Eagle Falls offers the best return on minimal effort. For those wanting a bigger day, Scenic Point and the Aster Falls/Upper Two Medicine Lake trail are both outstanding. The Dawson-Pitamakan Loop is Glacier's best backpacking circuit in the area.

Are there bears in Two Medicine?

Yes. Two Medicine has one of the highest grizzly bear densities in the park. Carry bear spray at all times, hike in groups of three or more, make noise on the trail, and store all food in bear-proof containers. Check current conditions with rangers before heading out.

Is Two Medicine good for families?

Yes. Running Eagle Falls (0.6 miles round-trip) is ideal for young children. The lakeshore trail and boat tours are also very family-friendly. Two Medicine lacks the congestion of the park's more popular corridors, making it a particularly relaxed environment for families.

When does the boat tour operate?

The boat tour typically operates from late June through Labor Day weekend. Check glacierparkboats.com for the current season's schedule and to purchase tickets in advance.

How remote is Two Medicine compared to the rest of Glacier?

Two Medicine feels significantly more remote than the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. The valley has no gas stations, no cell service, and limited facilities beyond the campground and camp store. It rewards visitors who come prepared. Wildlife sightings — including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, and bighorn sheep — are all commonly seen. The relative quiet of this area compared to Logan Pass and Lake McDonald means more frequent and undisturbed wildlife encounters.