Swiftcurrent Falls, Montana, United States

5Nan S 5:00 PM Jan 1, 2014

Trail around the majestic Swiftcurrent Lake
Swiftcurrent Lake is like a gem set amongst the towering mountain peaks in the Many Glacier area. The views from the Many Glacier Lodge across the lake to Mt Gould and the glacier studded slopes of the surrounding mountains is one that I will not forget. Although there were intermittent showers we decided to take the 2.6 mile Loop Trail around Swiftcurrent Lake. The scenery was magical - sparkling waters of the lake, trail fringed with pine trees, ancient boathouse and docks, wooden bridges over clear streams, cruise boat on the lake, mountains with glaciers and ice sheets and glimpses of the Many Glacier Lodge the whole way. It was an easy walk with no hill climbs but watch out for tree roots across the trail. We also took bear spray as we'd seen a grizzly bear beside the road earlier in the day. The sun came out at the end of the walk giving us some wonderful photo opportunities in this very scenic area.

4Goatesians 5:00 PM Sep 15, 2013

Swiftcurrent lake boat ride and short hike
We took the swiftcurrent boat ride and then only the short hike before we returned to the lodge. There is a longer hike available with a guide. With a setting like this, there is no way that a TA review could be anything negative, this is one of the best locations in the park for visual treats. The boat ride is not cheap, $24 per person, but it allows you to see the Grinnell Glacier without taking the long hike through bear country. You disembark from Swiftcurrent Lodge and take a short ride to the adjacent shore. You then take a short hike across a hill to another boat and another brief ride to the opposite shore. During the ride the boat captain or one of the crew gives a history of the lake, lodge and the boat company. All in all it's a pleasant trip and the scenery is great. NOTE: If the trip is sold out, put your name on the waiting list and you will probably get to make the trip as they undersell the bookings. Last trip is at 4:30. There is a nice trail to the left of the Lodge if you are facing the front and it's a good way to pass the time waiting for the boat trip to commence.