Lake Ellen Wilson Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Montanans with a deep love for the rugged, untamed beauty of their state, Lake Ellen Wilson Campground in Glacier National Park stands out as one of the park's most iconic and rewarding backcountry destinations. Described by seasoned hikers as "the best in the park" in terms of solitude and sheer epicness, this remote campsite offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in Glacier's high-alpine splendor. It’s a place where majestic mountains meet crystal-clear waters, and the wild heart of Montana truly comes alive.

Reaching Lake Ellen Wilson requires effort and determination, as it is only accessible via challenging backcountry trails. However, the journey is consistently lauded for its breathtaking scenery, passing by cascading waterfalls, stunning passes, and vibrant wildflowers. Once there, campers are rewarded with an extraordinary setting directly on the shores of Lake Ellen Wilson, surrounded by towering peaks and an abundance of wildlife. Reviewers frequently rave about the "spectacular views" and the "crisp, beautiful lake," affirming its reputation as a crown jewel among Glacier's backcountry sites.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging guide to Lake Ellen Wilson Campground from the perspective of a local Montanan. We will cover its challenging yet rewarding location and accessibility, the essential services it provides, its numerous natural highlights, and crucial contact information for planning your adventure. For those ready to earn their views and truly disconnect in the Montana wilderness, Lake Ellen Wilson promises an unforgettable experience.

Location and Accessibility

Lake Ellen Wilson Campground is situated deep within the interior of Glacier National Park, with West Glacier, MT, serving as the closest general access point for park entry. However, it's crucial for prospective visitors to understand that this is a backcountry campground, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. Reaching Lake Ellen Wilson requires a strenuous and often multi-day backpacking trip.

The most common and celebrated route to Lake Ellen Wilson is via the iconic Gunsight Pass Trail. Hikers typically begin from trailheads such as Jackson Glacier Overlook on the Going-to-the-Sun Road or from Lake McDonald Lodge, working their way up towards Gunsight Lake and then ascending to Gunsight Pass before descending to Lake Ellen Wilson. This route involves significant elevation gains and losses, often traversing snowfields even into mid-summer, and covers a substantial distance (e.g., approximately 12 miles from Lake McDonald Lodge over Lincoln Pass). Many backpackers choose to break this journey with an overnight stay at Gunsight Lake Campground, making the hike to Lake Ellen Wilson a more manageable second day.

The remoteness of Lake Ellen Wilson ensures its pristine condition and incredible solitude, but also means that cell service is entirely non-existent. Thorough preparation, including carrying physical maps, a compass or GPS device, and sufficient emergency supplies, is absolutely essential. Backcountry permits are mandatory for overnight stays and are highly sought after, often requiring advance reservation through the Glacier National Park wilderness permit system. Due to the difficulty and demand, Montanans planning this trip should secure their permits well in advance and be prepared for challenging conditions, including unpredictable weather and wildlife encounters.

Services Offered

As a remote backcountry campground within Glacier National Park, Lake Ellen Wilson offers only the most fundamental services necessary for a wilderness camping experience. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient and adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Campsites: The campground typically features a limited number of designated tent sites (often 3-4 sites), strategically located around the lake. These sites are surprisingly "level," providing good spots to pitch a tent. RVs or any vehicles are not permitted.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: Crucially, the campground is equipped with shared "bear-resistant food boxes" or "food hanging poles" in a common cooking area. Proper storage of all food, scented items, and cooking gear is mandatory due to frequent wildlife presence. One reviewer specifically mentioned "the huge rock at the cook area" which might be part of this setup.
• Vault Toilet: A primitive "pit toilet" or "outhouse" is available. While basic, it helps manage human waste in a sensitive environment. One unique observation from a reviewer highlighted its "funny spot" and being "literally outside in the woods."
• Natural Water Source: "Streams with big flow to filter water at camp" are available, ensuring access to untreated water. All water obtained from these sources must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.

It is important to note what is not offered: there is no potable water on tap, no electricity, no trash disposal (all garbage and waste must be packed out), no showers, and no picnic tables. Campfires are typically prohibited in Glacier's backcountry to minimize impact and fire risk, so backpackers should plan for stove-only cooking. This minimalist approach preserves the pristine wilderness character of Lake Ellen Wilson.

Features / Highlights

Lake Ellen Wilson Campground is celebrated for its extraordinary natural features and the immersive wilderness experience it provides. Its highlights include:

• Spectacular Lake Setting: Nestled directly on the shores of the "crisp, beautiful Lake Ellen Wilson," the campground offers unparalleled lakeside views and a serene atmosphere. The lake itself is stunning, reflecting the surrounding peaks.
• Dramatic Mountain Backdrop: The campground is surrounded by towering mountains, including the headwall of Gunsight Pass, creating "spectacular views" and an awe-inspiring alpine amphitheater.
• Abundant Wildlife Sightings: This area is renowned for its active wildlife. Reviewers consistently mention encounters with "marmots, goats, elk, deer, and bears," including grizzlies. One memorable sighting included "a moose at Gunsight Lake and Mirror Pond."
• Proximity to Gunsight Pass: Its location near Gunsight Pass provides access to one of Glacier's most iconic and scenic trails, offering a challenging yet rewarding ascent with panoramic vistas.
• Unmatched Solitude: Despite its popularity as a destination, the effort required to reach it ensures a significant level of "solidity" (solitude), making it a truly peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
• Alpine Meadows and Wildflowers: The surrounding landscape, particularly during summer, is adorned with vibrant alpine wildflowers and meadows, adding to the picturesque scenery.
• Accessible Water for Filtering: The presence of "streams with big flow to filter water at camp" is a crucial feature, though proper purification is always necessary.
• Unique Natural "Toilet": The described "pit toilet" being "literally outside in the woods" offers a rustic, memorable, and surprisingly scenic experience, as noted by visitors.

These features combine to create an unforgettable backcountry experience, making Lake Ellen Wilson a top-tier destination for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Contact Information

Address: West Glacier, MT 59936, USA (Note: This address is for general geographic reference for Glacier National Park. Lake Ellen Wilson Campground is a backcountry site and is not directly accessible by vehicle.)

Phone: (406) 888-7800

Mobile Phone: +1 406-888-7800

The provided phone numbers connect to the main information line for Glacier National Park. For all specific inquiries related to Lake Ellen Wilson Campground, including mandatory backcountry permits, current trail conditions (especially snow levels on Gunsight Pass, which can persist well into summer), bear activity reports, and any seasonal closures, it is absolutely essential to contact the park's Backcountry Office directly. Their official website (nps.gov/glac) is also an invaluable resource for detailed trip planning, understanding the wilderness permit lottery system, and reviewing crucial safety guidelines for backpacking in bear country. Due to its extreme popularity and limited capacity, securing a backcountry permit for Lake Ellen Wilson often requires significant advance planning and persistence, as walk-up permits are notoriously difficult to obtain.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Lake Ellen Wilson Campground holds a special significance for Montanans, representing one of the ultimate backcountry experiences available within their home state. For residents who are deeply connected to Montana's majestic landscapes and possess the skills and spirit for challenging wilderness adventures, this campground offers a truly unparalleled journey into the heart of Glacier National Park.

Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors. First, it offers genuine "solidity" – a profound sense of solitude that is increasingly rare in popular national parks. For Montanans accustomed to open spaces and seeking to escape the summer crowds, the effort required to reach Lake Ellen Wilson ensures a more intimate and peaceful encounter with nature. The "spectacular views" of the lake and surrounding mountains provide a powerful reminder of the raw, untamed beauty that defines Big Sky Country.

Second, the challenging hike, often involving the iconic Gunsight Pass, appeals to the adventurous spirit prevalent among Montanans. It’s a rewarding physical and mental test that culminates in camping in one of the park’s most picturesque settings. The frequent wildlife encounters, including glimpses of mountain goats, elk, deer, and the ever-present grizzlies, offer a thrilling and authentic immersion into Montana’s robust ecosystem. These interactions, while requiring strict adherence to bear safety, underscore the wild character that many locals cherish.

Finally, Lake Ellen Wilson is a testament to the fact that the most incredible experiences often lie beyond the paved roads. For any Montanan seeking to truly earn their views, embrace self-reliance, and create an unforgettable memory in a setting described as "the best in the park," Lake Ellen Wilson Campground stands as an essential pilgrimage into the breathtaking wilderness of Glacier National Park.

Lake Ellen Wilson Campground

West Glacier, MT 59936, USA