Swiftcurrent Lake Glacier National Park
A picturesque alpine lake in Glacier National Park's Many Glacier area, offering boat tours, kayaking, and stunning views from a historic hotel.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Peaceful, fewer crowds
Swiftcurrent Lake Glacier National Park
Best Time
Peaceful, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque alpine lake in Glacier National Park's Many Glacier area, offering boat tours, kayaking, and stunning views from a historic hotel.
"The Many Glacier Hotel has one of the most spectacular settings of all U.S. national park historic lodges."
🚗 Reserve Your Access
Many Glacier road access often needs reservations. Check NPS site!
🛶 Rent a Kayak
Enjoy the lake at your own pace. Mornings are especially serene.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boat Tour Adventure
Swiftcurrent Lake & Lake Josephine
Glide across pristine waters with stunning mountain backdrops. A must-do for iconic views!
Kayaking Serenity
Swiftcurrent Lake
Paddle your own adventure on the calm lake, enjoying unparalleled peace and mountain vistas.
Many Glacier Hotel Views
Shore of Swiftcurrent Lake
This historic lodge offers breathtaking panoramas of the lake and surrounding peaks.
Swiftcurrent Lake Trail
Around Swiftcurrent Lake
A scenic walk offering diverse perspectives of the lake and its natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Tour Early
Many Glacier Road Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Reserve Your Access
Many Glacier road access often needs reservations. Check NPS site!
🛶 Rent a Kayak
Enjoy the lake at your own pace. Mornings are especially serene.
📸 Capture the Views
The Many Glacier Hotel offers iconic photo ops of the lake.
🚶♀️ Hike the Trail
A beautiful walk around the lake provides stunning scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Reserve Your Access
Many Glacier road access often needs reservations. Check NPS site!
🛶 Rent a Kayak
Enjoy the lake at your own pace. Mornings are especially serene.
📸 Capture the Views
The Many Glacier Hotel offers iconic photo ops of the lake.
🚶♀️ Hike the Trail
A beautiful walk around the lake provides stunning scenery.
🚤 Book Boat Tours
Popular tours sell out; book tickets in advance!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Swiftcurrent Lake is celebrated for its breathtaking mountain scenery and the iconic Many Glacier Hotel. Visitors rave about the serene boat tours and the peaceful experience of kayaking on its calm waters. While parking and crowds can be a challenge during peak times, the natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it a highly recommended stop in Glacier National Park.
"A beautiful lake to visit in Many glacier area. You can take a boat tour or do kayak here. You can go around the lake or sit on the shore and enjoy the breeze and the sunshine."
madiha islam
"Nice lake with good trail going around it. You can also rent a boat or hop on a boat tour to better explore the area. From the lake you will have a good view on the Many Glacier hotel and you might be able to reach Lake Josephine (closed now due to weather conditions)."
Martina Bessi
"Beautiful lake. We rented kayaks from the hotel and had the lake pretty much to ourselves that morning. Lake was calm, weather was perfect, views of the surroundings mountains were fantastic. We were there in August, which I think is the best time to go."
Cha Y
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Swiftcurrent Lake is located in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. Access to the Many Glacier road often requires a vehicle reservation during peak season. Check the official Glacier National Park website for the most current information on reservations and road status.
The drive up to Swiftcurrent Lake is not fully paved, so be prepared for some unpaved sections.
Parking lots can get very crowded, especially during peak times. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a spot.
Vehicle reservations are often required for the Many Glacier road during peak season. It's crucial to check the park's official website for the latest requirements.
Glacier National Park offers shuttle services, but routes and availability can vary. It's best to consult the park's transportation page for current shuttle information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid Glacier National Park entrance pass is required for all visitors. You can purchase passes at park entrances or online.
Yes, the boat tours on Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine are separate ticketed activities. It's highly recommended to book these in advance due to their popularity.
Boat tour operating hours vary seasonally. Check the Glacier National Park concessioner's website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Yes, kayak rentals are available from the Many Glacier Hotel. Renting early in the morning can offer a more peaceful experience.
While a park entrance pass is required, there isn't a separate fee for entering the Many Glacier area itself, though vehicle reservations may be necessary.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular activities include taking a scenic boat tour, renting kayaks, hiking the Swiftcurrent Lake Trail, and enjoying the views from the Many Glacier Hotel.
The Swiftcurrent Lake Trail is generally considered family-friendly, offering relatively flat terrain and beautiful scenery.
You might spot various wildlife, including bears, moose, and mountain goats. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
Restroom facilities are typically available near the Many Glacier Hotel and boat docks.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing stunning landscape photos. Golden hour in the evening can also be spectacular.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the historic Many Glacier Hotel offers dining options, including a restaurant and lounge.
Picnicking is permitted in designated areas. Bringing your own food and drinks is a great way to save money and enjoy the scenery.
The hotel typically offers a range of options, from casual fare to more formal dining, often featuring local ingredients.
The nearest full-service grocery stores are located in St. Mary or Babb, so it's advisable to stock up before heading into the Many Glacier area.
Limited snack and drink options might be available at the Many Glacier Hotel or near the boat docks, but it's best to come prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
The shores of the lake, the views from the Many Glacier Hotel, and various points along the Swiftcurrent Lake Trail offer incredible photographic opportunities.
Early mornings provide serene light and fewer people, while late afternoons offer warm, golden hour hues.
Drone usage is restricted in Glacier National Park. Always check the park's regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant lake reflections.
The area directly in front of the Many Glacier Hotel provides a classic postcard view. The trail also offers numerous scenic overlooks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Swiftcurrent Lake Trail is generally suitable for families, providing beautiful views without extreme difficulty. Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options can be limited and busy. Always check for any vehicle reservation requirements for the Many Glacier road before your visit, as this can impact family planning.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the grand scale of the landscape and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife sightings. The boat tours offer unique angles not accessible from shore. Remember to check for any vehicle reservation requirements for the Many Glacier road, as this area is a prime destination for its natural splendor.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Adventurers
Be prepared for varying weather conditions and always carry bear spray, as this is bear country. Check the park's website for trail conditions and any area closures before you set out. The boat tours can also be a way to access different trailheads on the far side of the lakes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Swiftcurrent Lake by Water
For a more personal adventure, kayaking on Swiftcurrent Lake is highly recommended. Renting kayaks from the Many Glacier Hotel allows you to explore at your own pace. Early mornings are particularly magical, offering calm waters and a sense of tranquility before the day's crowds arrive. Paddling allows for intimate encounters with the lake's serene environment and unique perspectives of the mountains.
It's important to note that access to Lake Josephine can sometimes be closed due to weather conditions, so always check current park status. Regardless of your choice, experiencing Swiftcurrent Lake from the water is a highlight for many visitors.
The Historic Many Glacier Hotel
Staying at the Many Glacier Hotel offers unparalleled access to the lake and surrounding trails. Even if you're not staying overnight, the hotel is a must-visit for its iconic views, dining options, and as a starting point for many adventures. Visitors often describe the setting as one of the most spectacular in all of the U.S. national parks.
The hotel serves as a hub for activities, including boat tours and kayak rentals, making it a convenient base for exploring the Many Glacier area. Its presence adds a layer of historical charm to the already magnificent natural beauty of Swiftcurrent Lake.
Hiking Trails Around Swiftcurrent Lake
While the Swiftcurrent Lake Trail itself is a highlight, it also serves as a gateway to more challenging hikes in the region, such as the Grinnell Glacier trail. For families with children, the main Swiftcurrent Lake Trail is often recommended due to its manageable terrain and rewarding views.
When exploring any trails, remember to be bear aware, carry bear spray, and stay on marked paths. The trails around Swiftcurrent Lake offer a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning alpine environment of Glacier National Park.
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