About This Route
St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park's second-largest body of water, dazzles with vivid turquoise hues from glacial silt, ideal for kayaking from the boat ramp near St. Mary Visitor Center. Navigate 10 miles toward Going-to-the-Sun Road views or Baring Falls inlet, spotting mule deer and eagles amid dramatic peaks like Red Eagle Mountain. NPS permits single kayaks at the launch after invasive species checks; round trips to Wild Goose Island overlook span 8-12 miles. Winds funnel through the valley, calming at dawn but building post-noon.
Safety Considerations
Glacial-fed waters stay below 55°F, demanding drysuit use per American Canoe Association immersion guidelines to combat shock. Mandatory PFDs for kids under 13; paddle on the right in channels to avoid oncoming boats. Grizzly bears roam east side shores; store food in bear-proof canisters overnight if camping at Rising Sun. Monitor for rock gardens near shorelines and sudden whitecaps from katabatic winds. Adhere to Leave No Trace by using designated launches and minimizing wakes near sensitive aquatic habitats. NPS alerts for wildfire smoke or trail closures apply here.
Essential Gear
Stohlquist Trekker PFD; Carlisle Magic Plus paddle; NRS Vapor drysuit; UDAP bear spray; Osprey dry sacks; personal locator beacon like ACR ResQLink; throw rope and rescue sling; layered wool base (Patagonia Capilene) under drysuit; UV-protective sunglasses with leash.