On the trail to Swiftcurrent Lookout

The Swiftcurrent Lookout stands at nearly the middle of Glacier National Park, sitting right along the Continental Divide, and offers a great, though challenging, day hike from both the east and west side of the Park. Stunning views are a worthwhile reward at the end of the long and rocky one mile uphill march from Swiftcurrent Pass.

Leaving from Many Glacier, the hike is about eight miles one way with a little over 4,100 feet of elevation gain. This trail is known for its beautiful lake views, and wildlife sightings. After reaching Bullhead Lake, the trail takes a drastic uphill switch and a great view of the Swiftcurrent Valley lake chain and Swiftcurrent Glacier.

Water was available for drinking higher up, but only at one section along the pass trail. In future hikes, I would sacrifice bringing some of my camera gear and carry more water, or a purification system.

Once gaining the pass, there is a turn and a one mile uphill stretch with mostly rocks and few trees to offer shade from the hot sun. I passed a team of pack mules at this point and got a nice shot as they passed by me with Heavens Peak in the background.

Reaching the Lookout at 8,436 feet, I finally set down my bag and enjoyed my lunch. The fire lookout attendant came out and we chatted about life in the alpine and some history before I made my return trip. A ground squirrel also popped his head out of a dead log to pose.

The hike back felt long, but it was refreshing to stick my feet in the cold water at Redrock Falls. The hour was getting late and I had a long drive back over Marias Pass, but within a mile of the car a hiker stopped me, letting me know he had just seen a moose.

I rushed to Fishercap Lake, and sure enough, not only one moose, but a family of three stood in the water, dad, mom and a little guy. Just as I made my way around the lake to get a shot of mom and dad, the bull looked straight at me from the middle of the lake and snorted to let me know he knew I was there. I got the message and let them enjoy their dinner, just as a group of tourists arrived having heard the news.

Then, at the parking area at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, a Park Ranger had set up a spotting glass to show a grizzly munching on moths just below Altyn Peak, too far away for a shot with a 600 millimeter lens. He slowly moved along the hillside, without a clue that dozens of onlookers spotted him from afar.

In total, the hike was 16 miles with 4,185 feet in elevation gain, and took just over 8 hours.