Swiftcurrent Pass Trail

This challenging hike takes you by several alpine lakes and offers incredible mountain views from almost 7,000 feet.

Plan Around Swiftcurrent Pass Trail

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to tripView park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Swiftcurrent Pass Trail Details

This challenging hike takes you by several alpine lakes and offers incredible mountain views from almost 7,000 feet. Shortly after you start you'll pass Fishercap Lake. A short detour takes you to the beautiful lakeshore. You'll next pass Redrock Lake and, eventually, Bullhead Lake. Up until Bullhead Lake, the trail is mostly through forest with occasional openings offering outstanding views. After the lake you'll start climbing above treeline, where you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the valley below. The trail continues to steepen, and you'll be able to look back and see the lakes you passed earlier in the day, now small and far below. If for some reason you aren't exhausted when you reach the top of the pass, consider adding a couple of miles and head to the Swiftcurrent Lookout. You'll see a trail at the top of the pass. Just when you think the views can't get any better, you'll be amazed. Remember, Glacier is grizzly country. Carry bear spray, make noise and travel in groups. The trailhead is at the Swiftcurrent Inn parking lot.

Difficulty

High

Distance

6.6 miles

Estimated time

8 hours

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Swiftcurrent Pass Trail

Compare nearby parks around Swiftcurrent Pass Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

23.7 mi away

Glacier

National Park · MT

212.7 mi away

Banff

National Park · Canada

336.7 mi away

Yellowstone

National Park · WY

345.8 mi away

North Cascades

National Park · WA

382.5 mi away

Grand Teton

National Park · WY

398.8 mi away

Mount Rainier

National Park · WA

Nearby Points of Interest Around Swiftcurrent Pass Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Swiftcurrent Pass Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Redrock Falls Trail

The first stop on this hike should be Fishercap Lake.

0.1 mi away

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins sits at the gateway to some of Glacier National Park most spectacular hiking trails.

0.1 mi away

Ptarmigan Falls Trail

This hike starts near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.

0.1 mi away

Ptarmigan Lake Trail

The hike starts in open terrain, providing excellent mountain views.

0.1 mi away

Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail

This hike starts in open terrain, providing excellent mountain views.