St. Mary Lake

A defining sight of many trips to the park is the scenery as one travels around the 10-mile-long St. Mary Lake. The forested area surrounding the lake is a prime habitat for species including elk, bighorn sheep, and bears since it is at the foot of striking mountain peaks. The region is explored via a number of hiking trails, and two of Glacier's top campgrounds are close to the water.

Throughout the summer, guided boat tours around St. Mary Lake are offered. Information on the park is available at the close-by St. Mary Visitor Center, where you can also pick up the free Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle. In the warmer months, wildflowers bloom all across the park, enhancing St. Mary Lake's aesthetic charm.

The second-largest lake in Glacier National Park is St. Mary Lake. Lake McDonald, its western twin, has a pebbly shore and an even larger surface area. A 4.5-mile round-trip hike leads to Avalanche Lake, one of the most well-liked lakes to hike in Glacier.

Location: Glacier National Park (U.S.), Glacier County, Montana