Know Before You Go, Glacier National Park: Two Medicine

Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Glacier National Park’s Two Medicine! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour has three starting points:
  • Browning
  • Pinnacle
  • St. Mary
• As of 2025, Two Medicine does not require advance vehicle reservations. Other sections of the park do. Check before you head out.
• Expect seasonal closures by late fall through late spring.
• The biggest safety concerns are falling, hypothermia, and bears. 

Rachel Ennis

Budget

Two Medicine is one of the more budget-friendly areas of Glacier National Park—less congestion, fewer required reservations, and plenty of wow factor.

Park Entrance & Passes

To enter Glacier National Park, you’ll need a valid entrance pass: You've got plenty of options. $35 per private vehicle (valid for 7 days), $30 per motorcycle, $20 per person (walk-in or bike), or an America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 (a good deal if Glacier isn’t your only park this year).

Note: As of 2025, no vehicle reservation is required to visit Many Glacier. Check the NPS official website for the most up-to-date information.

Note: The park does not accept cash, so bring a card or digital payment.

Lodging & Camping

Two Medicine has no in-park lodges—camping is the only overnight option inside the valley. Two Medicine Campground and nearby campgrounds are usually the most affordable places to stay.

If you prefer a hotel, plan to stay in Browning or East Glacier Park Village, both within driving distance but outside the park.

Food & Supplies

Food services in the Two Medicine area are limited and seasonal. Inside the valley, you’ll find a small camp store with basic snacks and drinks—but no full restaurants.

For meals or groceries, plan to stock up in Browning or East Glacier Park Village before entering the park, and bring plenty of water with you.

Optional Expenses 

During summer, boat rides on Two Medicine Lake are available and are a popular add-on. These are one of the main “extras” you might budget for here.

Also consider bringing a picnic to enjoy a long day in Two Medicine.

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation. Check NPS site for current opening hours.

Get Packing!

​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Raincoat
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars
• Insect Repellent
• Bear Spray (can be rented at Kalispel Airport or Apgar Village)

Best Time to Visit 

Rachel Ennis

Summer and early fall. Expect seasonal closures by late fall through late spring. Summer is busier, but all amenities, including boat rides, will be available.

Safety Information 

Same as the rest of the park. Cold, wet, ice, and, of course, bears.

Additional Information

Don't forget: you'll want to check if new vehicle reservations have been implemented at the time of your visit.

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Two Medicine FAQs

Do I need a vehicle reservation to enter Two Medicine?

Nope. As of 2024, Two Medicine does not require advance vehicle reservations. (Other parts of Glacier do—so don’t get cocky!)

Do I still need a park pass?

Yes. You’ll need a Glacier National Park entrance pass or an America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

Where does the tour start?

You can start from Browning, Pinnacle, or St. Mary, depending on which direction you’re coming from.

How long should I plan to spend here?

Two Medicine is perfect for a half day, but a full day lets you add hikes or a boat ride without rushing.

Are boat rides available?

Yes—boat rides on Two Medicine Lake typically run during the summer and are a popular (optional) add-on.

Will I have cell service?

Don’t count on it. Download your Shaka Guide tour ahead of time and enjoy the digital detox.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Glacier National Park: Two Medicine Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Glacier National Park: Two Medicine Itinerary.

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