Montana's Turquoise Treasure
Cracker Lake is one of Glacier National Park's most visually stunning destinations, a striking turquoise lake whose otherworldly color comes from glacial flour (finely ground rock particles) suspended in the water. The color has to be seen to be believed: a vivid, almost neon blue-green that looks as though it belongs in a tropical lagoon rather than a mountain cirque at 5,900 feet in Montana.
The trail traverses Cracker Flats, wide, open meadows with expansive views of the surrounding peaks, before climbing gradually through forest to the lake basin. It's a longer hike than some of the park's more popular options, which means fewer crowds and a more peaceful, intimate experience with the wilderness.
What You'll See
The open meadows of Cracker Flats offer wide-angle views of Mt. Siyeh, Allen Mountain, and the surrounding peaks. Wildlife is frequently spotted here, grizzly bears, moose, and deer all use this area. The lake itself is framed by the towering walls of Mt. Siyeh and backed by the remnants of the Siyeh Glacier. The ruins of a historic copper mine sit near the lakeshore, adding a touch of human history to this wild setting.