The colored stones of West Glacier NP are primarily found in Lake McDonald; however they are also found in other lakes within Glacier NP. Because the water is so clear in Lake McDonald it should be easy to spot these rainbow colored pebbles…though not necessarily so. The reason is that they appear brilliant and multicolored when viewed at the correct angle with light refracting through the clear cold waters of Lake McDonald. The color of the stones tells their history; the amount of oxidized iron in the stone determines the color. The green rocks were formed in deep water with little oxidation; red rocks were formed in shallow water subject to much more oxidation of the iron in these stones. Please note that one picture is of Glacier colored stones without refracting thru the water and no photo enhancement; the other photos are presented with refracting sunlight and photo enhanced. Enjoy the pictorials of our rewarding search for the Glacier NP Colored Stones. Happy hunting when you visit West Glacier NP.
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