Lower Two Medicine Lake is located in the southeast corner of Glacier National Park in Montana. This long, attractive lake is flanked by steep, tall mountains on its upper half, providing a scenic backdrop for paddling. The lake lies partially within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, requiring a special permit to access the lower portion.
Access to the lakeshore can be challenging, as it requires bushwhacking down a steep slope through dense woods from Two Medicine Road on the northern side. There is no maintained trail around the lake. An unofficial boat ramp exists on the Blackfeet Reservation side.
The lake is known for its crystal clear waters and can experience windy conditions, especially in the afternoons, as it sits on the eastern side of the Continental Divide. For calmer paddling, early mornings or evenings are recommended. Water temperatures remain very cold year-round, not exceeding 50°F, so dressing appropriately for immersion is advised.
Rainbow trout and brook trout averaging 10-12 inches can be found in the lake, with the best fishing typically in June and July. Fishing pressure is light. A Montana fishing license is required for areas outside the reservation.
Due to its large size and often windy conditions, inflatable kayaks or pontoon boats are better suited than float tubes. Paddling pressure on the lake is very light, offering solitude in a scenic setting. All boat passengers must wear personal flotation devices.
Before launching any watercraft, inspection for aquatic invasive species is mandatory. Rentals are available nearby, with rates around $20-25 per hour for kayaks and canoes.
The area has historical significance, named after two Native American ceremonial lodges that once existed nearby. Wildlife such as moose may occasionally be spotted along the lakeshore.