BEDH_GlacierWNP

The Hike

This trail makes a circuit around Two Medicine Lake. It travels inland for most of its length, but offers periodic views of the water and the glacier-carved peaks that surround it. The loop requires a full day of traveling for most folks; if you are less ambitious, you might opt to hike out to Paradise Point for fine views, or take the tour boat to the head of the lake and hike one of the legs of the loop back to your vehicle.

The hike begins with a modest climb into subalpine firs south of Two Medicine Lake. At the top of the rise is an intersection; here, a spur path descends to Paradise Point on the lakeshore. This nice side trip drops through the trees, then crosses rank meadows to reach the tip of the headland. Paradise Point is the tip of an alluvial fan, built up as sediments carried down from the mountains by Paradise Creek poured into the lake and settled out as the water lost its speed. A gravel beach offers outstanding views of the surrounding peaks without the crowds that throng the foot of the lake.

Meanwhile, the main trail wanders inland, passing old beaver ponds and wetlands. Open meadows beside the marshes offer outstanding views of Appistoki Peak and Never Laughs Mountain to the south, Sinopah Mountain above the head of the lake, and Rising Wolf Mountain beyond the far shore. A footbridge leads across Aster Creek, and on the far bank a spur trail spans the short distance to Aster Falls, then climbs steadily to the Aster Park Overlook.

The Two Medicine loop now charts a level westward course through a loose woodland of fir and pine, ultimately crossing a suspension bridge at Paradise Creek. This substantial stream riffles through picturesque channels in the slanted bedrock. On its far bank is a junction; bear right as the path skirts the foot of Sinopah Mountain. As the trail winds around the north face of Sinopah, it crosses avalanche slopes that offer fine views of the lake. Be alert for grizzly bears in this area.

A steady descent leads into the spruce forest at the head of the lake. Here, a short stroll leads down to the boat dock while the loop route leads westward. The spruce trees soon thin out, and Pumpelly Pillar can be seen ahead. After crossing the headwaters of the Two Medicine River, the trail reaches an intersection near Twin Falls. Turn left to visit the falls, a double cascade that descends from the Bighorn Basin, or turn right to complete the loop.

The main trail follows signs for Dawson Pass as it runs eastward with fine views of Pumpelly Pillar and Sinopah Mountain. After linking up with the trail from Dawson Pass, the path ascends southward onto an alluvial fan at the base of Rising Wolf Mountain. From here hikers get superb views of the lake, as well as Appistoki Peak and Never Laughs Mountain beyond it. The trail then glides down into lakeshore forest and doesn’t emerge again until it reaches the foot of the lake. Follow the trail around Pray Lake to reach the bridge leading to Two Medicine Campground and the end of the hike. Walk about 0.2 mile through the campground to the boat dock.

Key Points

0.0 Start at South Shore Trailhead.

0.2 Junction with Paradise Point spur (0.4 mile). Bear left for loop.

1.2 Junction with Aster Park Trail. Bear right for loop.

1.7 Junction with horse ford of Paradise Creek.

2.2 Bridge over Paradise Creek.

2.3 Junction with Cobalt Lake Trail. Turn right.

2.5 Second junction with Paradise Creek horse ford trail.

3.3 Junction with upper boat dock trail. Turn left.

3.9 Junction with Upper Two Medicine Trail. Turn right onto Dawson cutoff trail.

4.1 Junction with Dawson Pass Trail. Turn right to complete loop.

7.4 Trail crosses bridge below Pray Lake to end at Two Medicine Campground. Hike the campground loop road back to the boat dock.

7.6 Arrive at boat dock.