North Shore/Upper Two Medicine Lake Trail

The Trail

This moderate trail does not have a lot of elevation change for its 5 mile length one-way, with only a 450 foot difference from its high and low points. There is some up and down to its path though. It gradually descends the 450 feet during the first three miles, then climbs just a bit more steeply up around 250 feet over the last mile to the upper lake.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

This trail starts at the far northwest corner of Two Medicine Lake by a campground area. It shares a trailhead with the trail to Old Man Lake. 

Trailhead

The trail then heads southeast, skirting the north shore of Two Medicine Lake.

 

 

After about 2.5 miles along, the trail reaches the opposite end of the lake and moves past it. After about another half mile or so, the turn off to Dawson Pass is on the right, and shortly after that is the turn off for the South Shore Trail. This latter trail also heads to the ferry stop that crosses Two Medicine Lake to the west side. If you are looking for a shorter option for hiking to Upper Two Medicine Lake and have the money to spend on tickets, the boat tour is a nice way to do this. It leaves from the boat dock at the east side of the lake and crosses to the far west side.

 

Trail crossing for Dawson Pass

South Shore Trail Crossing

After another tenth a mile past the South Shore Trail, there is a trail that breaks off to Twin Falls is on the right. This is about 3.4 miles from the trailhead. This side trip will add less than a fifth a mile total to your trip. The falls are difficult to get a clear view of together through the brush and other obstacles, but they are easy to see individually.

 

 

Twin Falls

Left Falls

Right Falls

 

From the falls, it is another 1.3 miles to Upper Two Medicine Lake. Some of the views along the way are just as stunning if not more so than the lake itself.

 

 

Looking towards Rising Blue Ridge over the small lake just
before Upper Two Medicine Lake

The upper lake is set up well with campsites and bear-proof storage bins for those wishing to backpack in and spend the night. A vault toilet is also available. It is possible to walk a good ways along the shore of the lake, taking in the views.

 

Path to vault toilet

Rising Bull Ridge behind Upper Two Medicine Lake
with Sinopah Mountain in background

Upper Two Medicine Lake with Lone Walker Mountain in
the background 

After enjoying time at the lake, head back the way you came or take an alternative route.

 

Directions
From MT-49, turn west onto Two Medicine Rd. After reaching Two Medicine Campground, turn right and heading past the ranger station to Loop A Road. Turn left upon reaching Loop B Road. There is a small parking area at the trailhead, but parking does fill up quickly. Be careful to park in a valid spot or you will be ticketed. Rangers are often happy to help you find a valid spot. GPS coordinates: N48° 29.497' W113° 21.936'