Swiftcurrent Lake
Lake Glacial lake in Glacier National Park, scenic trails
A small lake in Glacier National Park, Swiftcurrent Lake serves as a trailhead and boat-launch in the Many Glacier area, popular for hiking, wildlife viewing and mountain scenery.
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Swiftcurrent Lake is a freshwater lake in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park in northern Montana. The lake sits within a valley used as a hub for hiking and scenic viewing in the park.
The shoreline offers immediate views from the historic Many Glacier Hotel, which faces the water and serves as a staging point for hikes and boat trips in the area. Trails leaving from the vicinity provide access to higher-elevation lakes and glaciers in the surrounding peaks.
The lake and surrounding valley were shaped by glacial activity and now form part of the protected landscape of Glacier National Park. Recreational use is focused on hiking, wildlife viewing and photography.
It is located in the Many Glacier region of Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana, served by the park’s internal road system and trail network.
- Seasonal access: The lake lies within Glacier National Park and is best visited in summer and early autumn when park roads and services to the Many Glacier area are open.
- Trail access: Multiple hiking trailheads in the Many Glacier area start close to the lake, providing routes to destinations such as Iceberg Lake and Grinnell Glacier country.
What to See #
- Many Glacier Hotel: Many Glacier Hotel sits on the eastern shore and provides direct viewpoints over the lake, plus access to nearby trailheads and park services.
How to Get to Swiftcurrent Lake #
Swiftcurrent Lake is reached via the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. The park road network from East Glacier Park and St. Mary provides access; summer visitor services include shuttles and boat launches. Nearest towns with services include Babb and St. Mary.
Tips for Visiting Swiftcurrent Lake #
- Take the loop trail early in the morning to catch reflections on the lake before wind picks up.
- Rent a canoe from the Many Glacier area (seasonal) to get close to shorelines where bighorn sheep and birds are frequently sighted.
- Bear-aware hiking practices are necessary-carry bear spray and make noise when moving through brushy sections.
Best Time to Visit Swiftcurrent Lake #
Best visited in summer for full access to trails, boating and visitor services in Glacier National Park.
Weather & Climate near Swiftcurrent Lake #
Swiftcurrent Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (709 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 94 mm of rain.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
