Upper Two Medicine Lake
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
This is grizzly country, full stop. Carry bear spray, make noise on blind corners, and never hike alone in the early morning or late evening when bears are most active along the lakeshore.
Creek crossings can run high and fast in June and early July during snowmelt — waterproof boots or trekking poles help, and be prepared to turn back if the water looks sketchy.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Take the boat one way and hike the other — you get the full trail experience without the ten-mile round trip, and you arrive at the upper lake with fresh legs for exploring.
The morning boat is your best bet: you'll have the upper lake nearly to yourself before the afternoon hikers arrive, and the light on the surrounding peaks is spectacular before noon.
Pack a lightweight camp chair or sit pad — the rocky shoreline at Upper Two Medicine Lake is prime lunch territory, but the boulders are unforgiving on your backside during a long rest.