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!
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