hike I highly recommend if you go to East Glacier. Wildlife, tumbling waterfalls, spectacular lakes, and stunning views are what you will discover on this trail. We started at the trailhead at the east end of the main parking lot at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in Many Glacier, and because of time restrictions, we only hiked to Bullhead Lake, an easy 3.9-mile hike one way, 7.8-miles round-trip. The trail continues to Swiftcurrent Pass, then to Granite Park Chalet, and down to the Going to the Sun Road if you want to continue past Bullhead Lake.
Wildlife, tumbling waterfalls, spectacular lakes, and stunning views are what you will discover on this trail.
The Hike
The first part of the hike to Bullhead Lake travels through Swiftcurrent Valley and is an easy and enjoyable trail that offers spectacular scenery. You’ll pass Fishercap Lake, which is an excellent area to spot moose, Redrock Lake, and Redrock Falls before you reach Bullhead Lake. Make sure to stop and view the beautiful lakes. Not only are they breathtaking, but they are a wonderful place to view wildlife such as moose and waterfowl.
The first lake you will pass is Fishercap Lake. You cannot see the lake from the trail but watch for a small sign or this unique tree. Keep an eye out for it, and once you spot it, follow the short trail down to the lake shore. Don’t bypass this beauty. It’s well worth the stop. Here, you are likely to spot moose, deer, and waterfowl. The trail continues along the lake, so you can follow it for a while to watch for wildlife or just enjoy the spectacular view before you head back to the main trail.
When you reach the shore of Fishercap lake, you’ll discover breathtaking views and wildlife.
Past Fishercap Lake, you will next find Redrock Lake and Redrock Falls. Redrock Lake is along the trail, so you won’t miss it. Be sure to be on the lookout for moose here as well. Redrock Falls in a small, but scenic waterfall.
An unmarked split in the trail will take you down to Redrock lower falls. The beautiful water and brilliant red rocks make this an ideal place to stop for a while. Here, there are several small side trails that lead to other various vantage points you will want to be sure to check out.
After you return to the main trail toward Bullhead Lake, you will encounter beautiful meadows, wildlife, waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery. The trail travels under a canopy of a lodgepole forest and breaks out into meadows as you head toward Bullhead Lake. When you reach a meadow, you will have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains: Swiftcurrent Mountain straight ahead (8,436-ft.), Mt. Grinnell on the left (8,851-ft.), Mt. Wilbur on the right (9,321-ft.), and Swiftcurrent Glacier just off to the left of Swiftcurrent Mountain.
When you reach approximately 3.4 miles, the trail crosses over a swinging footbridge, then shortly afterward, there is a side trail that leads down to Bullhead Lake. You can either take this trail down to the lake or continue along the main trail for about another tenth-of-a-mile to reach Bullhead’s shore.
From the shore of Bullhead Lake, you will discover breathtaking views of Swiftcurrent Mountain, Swiftcurrent Glacier, and the headwall above the lake.
Before we headed back for the day, we spent some time at the shore, soaking in the beauty, listening to the sounds of nature, and watching for wildlife.
Wildlife
On our hike, we encountered moose, deer, birds, ground squirrels, and a grizzly sow and her two yearling cubs along the mountainside. We also spotted mountain goats in the distance along the rocks. We visited at the end of June and the ground was blanketed in flowers, bear grass, and everything was lushly green.
Dining
After we made our way back, everyone was famished, so we ate at the restaurant, ‘Nell’s, located in the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. You cannot go wrong dining here. We had two meals at ‘Nell’s and it was a delightful experience each time. The service was topnotch, and the food was delicious.
In the End
One simply cannot go to East Glacier and miss the Swiftcurrent Pass hike. I highly recommend hitting this trail. However, be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. On the hike to Bullhead Lake, we had an assortment of weather conditions: sunshine, warmth, cold, cloudiness, and rain. Always expect unpredictable weather when hiking in the mountains, so be prepared, pack accordingly, and don’t forget your bear spray.
Don’t miss this one. Happy Hiking!
Hiking Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
Swiftcurrent Pass trail follows the Swiftcurrent Valley and passes to the north of Fishercap Lake. The trail continues west, passing Redrock Falls and two miles beyond it reaches Bullhead Lake. It then travels towards Swiftcurrent Pass and shortly beyond the pass, the trail goes to the north and ascends to steep switchbacks to Swiftcurrent Lookout. The trail descends for 0.9 mile to Granite Park, where it joins the Highline Trail.
- Length: 6.6 miles
- Trail Begins: Swiftcurrent Trailhead
- Trail Head Elevation: 4,960.00 ft (1,511.81 m)
- Net Elevation Gain: 2,400.00 ft (731.52 m)
- Congestion: Moderate
- Round Trip Length: 14.2 miles
- Average Elevation Gain/Mile: 338 feet
- Highest Elevation: 7185 feet
- Trail Ends: Swiftcurrent Pass
Travel and Wander…
