Hiking or backpacking to Upper Two Medicine in Glacier National Park was an experience that spoiled me for eternity. With epic glacial views and crystal-clear lakes reflecting the mountains above, everyone should experience this hidden gem with either a day hike or as a backcountry camping spot.
Where is Upper Two Medicine in Glacier National Park?
Full of glacial peaks, pristine lakes and rich Native American history, the entire Two Medicine area is one of my favorite areas in Glacier. Located near East Glacier Park Village on the southeast side of the park is Two Medicine Lake, a popular recreation spot. From the western tip of Two Med Lake to the mouth of Upper Two Med Lake, the hiking distance is about 2 miles.
Backcountry Permits for Upper Two Medicine
Because of its easy access, the Two Medicine Lake area is a popular camping spot and that goes for the nearby backcountry campsites too. There’s a ranger station that offers backcountry permits at Two Medicine or you can get one at any of the others.
Need a backcountry permit and info about the sites? Read more here
Tips for Hiking to Upper Two Medicine
Coming off of a long hike on the Highline Trail, I was more than excited to hear I could knock out over half of the hike by taking a boat across the lake. By doing so, this eliminates a large portion of the South Shore Trail.
The Glacier Park Boat Company operates boat tours across the stretch of Two Medicine Lake, arriving at the west dock. For a price of $13.75 per person, you’ll experience an optional guided tour by a park ranger, learn about the history of the Blackfeet Indians and receive a return ticket back to the east side.
Check out the current schedules and prices for boat tours here
As with all other areas in Glacier NP, be bear aware! Bring along your necessary hiking essentials for the trek, especially bear spray and water or a purifier.
Hiking or Backpacking to Upper Two Medicine in Glacier National Park
If you want to pass on the boat and endure the one-way 5 mile hike, begin from the mouth of Two Medicine Lake via the South Shore Trailhead. By taking the boat across the lake, you’ll be looking at one of the easiest hikes in the park at 2.2 miles one-way and only an elevation gain of +360 feet.
After arriving to the boat dock on the west side, the trail picks up with the South Shore trail. Winding over a boardwalk through a marshy area, within 0.7 miles a trail junction appears. Take a left for the Upper Two Medicine trail.
Shortly thereafter another junction appears, hinting at Twin Falls 0.2 miles west. This spur trail is the perfect spot to eat some lunch and take a load off before continuing on. Within 1.5 miles of leaving Twin Falls, you’ll arrive to the banks of Upper Two Medicine Lake.
The Campground at Upper Two Medicine
The Upper Two Med backcountry campsite is one of the best in Glacier. Complete with posted maps, pit toilets, bear boxes, food prep areas and designated sites, these are definitely some of the nicer backcountry sites of all the National Parks I’ve been to.
Arriving off the trail at Upper Two Medicine Lake, the first thing you’ll find is the pit toilet uphill to the right. Next you’ll come to the food prep area with bear containers. A walk directly past the food prep area will bring you to the mouth of Upper Two Medicine Lake.
Retreating back and past the food prep area to the east are the 4 designated campsites. The first two are fairly close to the food prep area on the lake side. Walking further through the vegetation you’ll see the third campground to the left under a tree. The most private site is hidden off to the back right.
I chose this site for a few reasons, the main one being it’s the most photogenic. The site also has multiple logs bordering the perimeter for seating and a small tree for coverage. Another perk is the soft ground and easy access to the lake for filtering water.
Sleeping Under the Stars at Upper Two Medicine
Beings it was only my second ever backcountry overnight trip, I was a tad nervous about what it would be like here overnight. Plenty of water sources were nearby, hinting that wildlife could be frequent. Without having a fire as a deterrent, I kept my eyes and ears peeled at all times. Nonetheless, I soaked up every piece of tranquility Upper Two Med had to offer, including one of the most stunning sunsets I’ve ever seen.
After cooking up some supper with my JetBoil, I wandered around the area basking in those incredible views. I was completely blown away by the towering mountains complemented by the pops of wildflowers. Watching the colors transform into glistening stars, I tucked myself back into the tent for the evening and soaked in the silent sounds of the backcountry.
Hiking in Deeper from Upper Two Medicine
Looking for more hiking options from Upper Two Medicine? Consider taking the Dawson Pass trail to No Name Lake, a short 3.3 miles from Upper Two Med.
Read more about hiking to No Name Lake here
For a more challenging hike, complete the Dawson Pass and Pitamakan Pass Loop. The distance from No Name Lake is 12.8 miles, ending back at the beginning of Two Medicine Lake.
Read More Glacier NP Posts HereBefore heading into the backcountry, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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