Glacier NP – Two Medicine Area
Located on the southeast side of Glacier National Park, this area of the park is not as well visited as the other areas. Which is a shame, because it offers incredible views, abundant wildlife encounters, several waterfalls, and many miles of hiking trails. The only thing it does not offer is… glaciers. Any snow seen in this area is just leftover from the winter.
Looking Glass Hill Road (Hwy 49)
This twisty, narrow road is bumpy, steep, and extremely beautiful. And just like Going-to-the-Sun road, vehicles are limited to 21 feet in length. There are several pullouts and turnoffs along the road for visitors to stop and take pictures; but unlike Going-to-the-Sun Road, they’re not labeled.
We begin the road from the north side and work our way south to Two Medicine. Given the stops aren’t named, we’ll label them in the order we stopped for differentiation.
Stop 1
Stop 2
Stop 3
Stop 4
Stop 5
Stop 6
Running Eagle Falls Trail
Our first stop inside this section of the park is the incredibly stunning natural wonder known as Running Eagle Falls.
Running Eagle Falls Trail
This very short trail leads us through a lush landscape before opening up at the river.
Where Two Waterways Meet
Just before we reach the falls we come upon the Dry Fork meeting Two Medicine Creek.
Running Eagle Falls
The information board at the head of the trail tells the story of Running Eagle, who was the first female warrior of the Pikuni Tribe. The story of her skills, daring, leadership, and kindness are still told to this day. It is here in this sacred place, high above the falls, where she succeeded in her vision quest and why the falls are named in her honor.
To experience the falls, click here to be taken to our YouTube channel.
Nature Trail
After spending time at the falls, we take the Nature Trail along Two Medicine Creek back to the parking lot.
Lower Two Medicine Dam
Completed in 1966 the Dam was constructed only to help manage the water levels of the naturally occurring Lower Two Medicine Lake.
Original Campground
I won’t reveal the name of our original campground as it has really good reviews and is probably perfectly fine. But, just driving into it gave us the creeps; and we didn’t feel safe. We always listen to our “guts” when it comes to the places we set up camp, so we immediately begin looking for alternatives. Luckily we’re able to secure a campsite in the Two Medicine Campground inside the park. Which is actually a lot more convenient, as we can just park the truck and walk everywhere we want to go.
Two Medicine Campground
The campground is inundated with Big Horn Sheep. There are ewes & lambs everywhere. They’re eating bugs out of fire pits, munching on the foliage, holding up traffic, etc.
Campground views
Over the few days we’re here we take many walks around camp, and get some incredible views.
SW down Two Medicine Creek from end of campground Rising Wolf Mountain from North Shore Trailhead SW view across Pray Lake Rising Wolf Mountain & Pray Lake at sunset Same view just before dark Beaver on Pray Lake acorss from our campsite Zoomed view of beaver Beaver Dam below Sinopah Mtn Boy playing in Pray Lake at sunset
Appistoki Falls Trail
The trail itself is beautiful; weaving in and around the forest and along Appistoki Creek.
Appistoki Falls
Appistoki Falls has a drop height of ~60 feet, split between a 10 & 50 feet at the uppermost tier. Unfortunately, it’s also very difficult to see. We had better luck with several of the lower tiers further downstream.
In addition to not being able to get a really good view of the waterfall, the skies are getting darker and threatening rain. So, we quickly head down the trail. Luckily, we do reach the truck before the rain begins; and it ends up being lunch and a show.
Other hikers were not as fortunate as us to reach their vehicles before the ran began, so they’re scrambling to stay dry. And a little later, a herd of big horn sheep come out to play in the rain.
Rockwell & Aster Falls Trail
Beginning at the South Shore Trailhead, we decide to walk over from the campground. It makes the hike a touch longer; but given the limited parking… so much more convenient. As we enter the forest and begin the climb up the hill toward Appistoki Peak we see ponds and mountains emerging through the breaks in the trees.
We also meet a lovely couple from Florida (Matthew & Amanda), who we end up chatting with until we reach Aster Falls.
Aster Falls
Once we reach Aster Falls we await our turn to get a good photo. The park is busy today and this is a very popular destination.
This fall only drops 20 feet; but does it in dramatic three tiered fashion. Click here for the link to the video.
Rockwell Falls Trail
Next we say goodbye to Mathew & Amanda as we head on to Rockwell Falls and they turn back to the trailhead.
This section of the trail, gets a little more challenging as we find more open spaces and mountains; but we also have to cross a swinging bridge, navigate downed trees, and work our way through narrow areas between chest high Thimbleberry bushes.
But once we reach Rockwell Falls, it’s all worth it.
Rockwell Falls
This waterfall has two main drops both about 30 – 40 feet in height; but between them there are several more smaller drops. The last tier can be easily seen from the main trail with the first tier just visible high above; but you have to do a little rock scrambling to see the rest. We think it’s worth it; but you’ll have to decide for yourself.
Click here to see the video of the bottom/main tier and/or click here to see the video of the upper two tiers
The Trail Home
After having a snack while enjoying the pool at the base of the 3rd tier of Rockwell Falls, we head back down the trail toward camp. Along the way we see a little wildlife, some colorful fungi, additional mountain views, and a few more ponds.
8 1/2 miles later and we’re back at the camper, a little tired; but glad we decided to see both sets of falls.
Boat Ride
Today we’ve scheduled a scenic boat trip around Two Medicine Lake with a guided hike to Twin Falls. The boat is very similar to the one we rode in Many Glacier; but the crew is no where near as efficient. A lot of miscommunication leads to a late start and some very frustrated employees.
The ride itself is uneventful and the hike is thankfully more organized than the boat trip. Our leader does a great job of providing information on the flora, fauna, geology, and also gives us a few stories about the area from the local Blackfeet tribe.
Upper Two Medicine Lake & Twin Falls Trail
The guided hike is only to Twin Falls; but the group is so large that we decide to head up to Upper Two Medicine Lake at the turnoff, instead of fighting for a view a the falls. We’ll stop at the falls on the way back, when there will be fewer people.
Trail views
Unnamed Lake
When we reach this area, we think this is Upper Two Medicine Lake; but a quick check of the map reveals that this lake exists; but is not identified or named. So, on we go.
Upper Two Medicine Lake
One we reach the lake, we’re hoping for some quiet time to be able to sit and watch for animals. But shortly after we arrive, several families with young kids appear, begin splashing around, and making so much noise that any wild animals will be scared away.
So, we stay and laugh at the antics of the human animals while having our snack, then turn back toward the falls.
Twin Falls
High above, the combined water from the outlet stream at “No Name Lake” and the runoff from surrounding peaks diverges to create these two dramatic falls. They each have 80 foot drops and given they come from the same source, it’s a clear depiction of how the underlying geology impacts the shape and appearance of waterfalls. We only manage to get video of the left fall. Click here to see it.
It’s now time to head back to the dock and get in line for the boat.
Boat Dock at West end of Two Medicine Lake
We arrive about 30 minutes before the last scheduled boat of the day to stake our place in line. Then as one of us holds that place, the other heads out to take a few pictures.
Once the boat arrives and the boarding proceeds, we quickly realize that we’re the last two to get on the boat. The rest of the people in line either have to wait another 30 minutes for them to run us in and come back, or they can choose to walk back.
The way the boat company works for the last pickup is, as long as you’re there before the last pickup time, they’ll make as many runs as needed to make sure everyone gets a ride. If you’re not there on time, your only option is to walk back.
Boat Trip Back to Camp
The boat trip home yields some unique views of the surrounding mountains.
Paradise Point Trail
Our last morning in the park, we head out early to do the short Paradise Point Trail. It takes us past the dock at Two Medicine Lake where we get incredible views of the lake.
Two Medicine Lake at the Boat Dock
As we head up the trail we think we’re heading out to an overlook; but it’s actually exactly what the title suggests… a point along the lake shore.
Views from Paradise Point
Time to head back to camp and begin getting ready to move tomorrow.
Next stop… Glacier NP – Apgar to North Fork
Great photos, and an excellent write up. Anybody can get a very good introduction to this area – without even going there. Will help many who want to go there.