There is no shortage of lakes in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is home to over 700 lakes, but only about 131 have names, and fewer than 30 are easily accessible by road or trail.
In this guide, we will explore six of the best lakes in Glacier National Park for photography, how to get to each one, and tips for capturing their beauty.
Table of Contents
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Lake McDonald
About Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park at 10 miles long. Its multicolored pebbles visible near the shoreline, contrast beautifully with the reflections of the surrounding mountains. The calm waters often mirror the sky, providing opportunities for reflection photography.
How to Get to Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is accessible from the park’s west entrance, located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The lake is just a short drive from Apgar Village. Google Maps
Photography Tips Lake McDonald
- Best Time for Photography: Sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and golden. Early morning has a better chance for calm water.
- Gear Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to capture both the rocks in the foreground and the mountain range in the background. Use a polarizing filter to remove the reflection of the water off the rocks to enhance color.
Bowman Lake
About Bowman Lake
Bowman Lake, in the remote northwest corner of Glacier, offers an untouched wilderness vibe. With fewer crowds, it’s the perfect spot for tranquil landscape shots that make you feel like you’re the only one in the park.
How to Get to Bowman Lake
Bowman Lake is accessed by a rough gravel road near Polebridge, about 32 miles from the park’s west entrance. It is a little over 6 miles from Polebridge. There is a campground located close to the shore of Bowman Lake. Google Maps
Photography Tips
- Best Time for Photography: Late afternoon or evening, when the sun casts warm light over the lake and mountains. Make sure you check wind conditions.
- Gear Tip: A polarizing filter will help reduce glare on the water and enhance the rocks and sky’s colors.
Grinnell Lake
About Grinnell Lake
Grinnell Lake is in the Many Glacier region and is surrounded by some of Glacier’s most dramatic peaks. The turquoise color of the lake, fed by Grinnell Glacier, creates a nice contrast against the rugged mountains.
How to Get to Grinnell Glacier
Grinnell Glacier is accessed by hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail, a 10-mile round-trip hike. You can see the details in my article Grinnell Glacier Hike: How to For This Glacier National Park Trail.
Photography Tips
- Best Time for Photography: Mid-morning to early afternoon when the lake’s turquoise color shines brightest.
- Gear Tip: A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness of the landscape.
St. Mary Lake, Wild Goose Island
About St. Mary Lake
St. Mary Lake is the second-largest lake in Glacier National Park. Wild Goose Island, set against the backdrop of the towering mountains, is one the most popular places to shoot this lake.
How to Get to St. Mary Lake (Wild Goose Island)
St. Mary Lake is located near the park’s east entrance along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, making it easily accessible. Google Maps
Photography Tips
- Best Time for Photography: Sunrise, when the soft morning light slowly lights up the landscape. It can be windy here in the mornings.
- Gear Tip: A good tripod for long exposures and prevent shake.
Hidden Lake
About Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake is a high-altitude gem at the base of Bearhat Mountain. The dramatic mountain backdrop and pristine alpine waters make it a favorite for photographers.
How to Get to Hidden Lake
The Hidden Lake Overlook is accessed by a moderate 5.4-mile round-trip hike from Logan Pass. Google Maps
Photography Tips
- Best Time for Photography: Sunrise and Sunset. Sunrise light will hit the peak and at sunset, it will create a glow behind.
- Gear Tip: A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness of the landscape.
Two Medicine Lake
About Two Medicine Lake
Located in the less-traveled Two Medicine area, this lake is perfect for photographers who want to get away from the crowds. The lake is framed by. Peaks like Sinopah Mountain, provide dramatic compositions for landscape photography.
How to Get to Two Medicine Lake
Two Medicine Lake is located in the southeastern part of Glacier, about 13 miles from the park’s east entrance. It’s accessible by car, and the area offers plenty of trails and viewpoints for different perspectives. Google Maps
Photography Tips
- Best Time for Photography: Sunrise, when the sun rises behind Sinopah Mountain and lights up the lake in warm tones.
- Gear Tip: Bring a tripod for long exposure shots, particularly if you want to smooth out the water and emphasize the reflections.
Camera Gear Used for Glacier National Park Photography
- Camera Body: Sony A7IV
- Lenses: Wide Angle Lens: 16-35 F2.8 Sony G Master
- Filters: PolarPro 82mm Polarizer Filter
- Tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod – stability, 20lb weight capacity, and deployed height, yet packs down to the diameter of a water bottle.
- Camera Clip: Peak Design Capture Clip – allows you to securely mount your camera and access fast with a quick release. Do not miss those unexpected shots fiddling with your backpack access.
- Apps: Photopills planning app so you can plan your photos ahead of time – tracking the path of the sun, moon, the Milky Way and so much more.
If you want to see all my camera gear check out What’s Inside My Camera Bag
Safety
- Bear Spray: Carry it in an accessible place and know how to use it
- Check Current Conditions: Weather, Trail Status Reports, Road Closures, Fire Information, and more at the National Park Service website.
- Stay on Designated Trails
- Wear Layers: Weather conditions can change rapidly
- Water Safety: Hypothermia is the number one cause of fatalities in Glacier. Use extreme caution near water.
- Stay Hydrated
- Visit the safety section of the Glacier National Park Service website.
Glacier National Park offers incredible opportunities for photographers. The diverse landscapes and accessibility of these lakes make Glacier a dream destination for photography. There are so many lakes in Glacier National Park to explore, I feel there will be a part II to this article!
Learn How to Take Your Photography to the Next Level With These Articles:
Photography Fundamentals: 9 Tips for Landscape Photographers
Capturing the Magic: 10 Tips for Better Sunrise and Sunset Photos
From Good To Great: 11 Editing Tips for Landscape Photography
Capturing the Aurora: How to Photography the Northern Lights
