Dawson Pass – Glacier NP – Design, Garden, & Travel by Majestic Meadows

Dawson Pass Trail

This trail starts at the Two Medicine Lake campground and follows the shoreline, until you start a long, hard uphill climb for a rewarding 13 mile roundtrip adventure. We parked by the trailhead at the back of the campground and took the trail from that point. The trail starts level, has nice views of the lake and shade, thanks to the pine forest. We took the boat tour back, reducing the trail to 8 1/2 miles. You can get boat tickets at the south shore of the lake and catch the boat back by Twin Falls.

This trail gains 2,400 feet and is strenuous. We always bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. We also bring a water filter, which helps reduce pack weight. Healthy snacks provide a reason to stop and enjoy the views along the trail. Lunch is a great reward for making it to the top! Don’t forget your bear spray, which is now recycled by many National Parks, including Glacier NP.

Majestic Views Abound

There are plenty of great views as you climb and once you get above the tree line, the views are awesome! You’ll want to start early to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day. On our way down, we saw lots of folks, some half our age looking over-heated and exhausted. Trust me, getting up early and starting before 8am is your best bet.