Photos from my September 2021 trip to Glacier NP
Hiking the Swift Current Pass trail to the Continental Divide is an exhilarating, challenging adventure. It’s 6.5 miles. I won’t make it that far today. We start here and pass over Swift Current Creek. Bullhead Lake is today’s destination. Let’s go.
Swift Current Creek
Continental Divide ahead….well, 6 miles. First 5 are a walk in the park, though.
The point of Grinnell Mountain 8858 ft. high is in the distance. As you see, the path is well-trodden and easy to follow, winding gently through a mix of pine and aspen trees. Got your bear spray? <grin>
There are several spots where the trees open up to reveal stunning vistas of the lake and the towering mountains beyond. Like at Redrock Lake. The views of Mount Grinnell, Mount Wilbur, are postcard-worthy, changing in appearance and color as the day progresses.
This place invites you to slow down, enjoy the sounds and sights, and appreciate the quieter side of nature.
Redrock Falls isn’t a single, dramatic drop but rather a series of cascades over red argillite rock, which gives the falls their distinctive color. The sound of the water tumbling over the rocks is both soothing and invigorating, creating a peaceful soundtrack to your visit.
Here is the main drop at Redrock Falls. Whether you’re a hiker, a photographer, or someone looking to simply relax by the water, (I stayed for an hour right here) this area is a delightful stop in your Glacier National Park adventure.
The area around the lake and falls is a fantastic spot for picnics, wildlife viewing, and photography. It’s common to see deer, moose, and even bears in the vicinity, so always be bear-aware. I saw a bear from a distance. He crossed the trail and headed for berries.
Swift Current Creek with a distant view of Mount Wilbur. I’m heading that way.
I’m taking in Mount Wilbur, a silent sentinel overlooking the Many Glacier area. What a great hike.
Mount Wilbur, an imposing and rugged peak, stands at an impressive 9,326 feet, and dominates the landscape with its sheer cliffs and craggy façade. It’s quite a view. But watch your step.
Overlooking Bullhead Lake, Swift Current Pass trail, Glacier National Park.
Bullhead Lake and Mt. Wilbur. Fantastic hike to this point of the Swift Current Pass trail. Put it on your must do list.
I decided to turn back at Bullhead Lake – wisdom or wimpiness? Well…by halting my march at the lake, I’ve avoided the thigh-burning ascent to the continental divide, where the views are so breathtaking, they might just steal the last of my oxygen. <grin>
The hike so far has offered amazing views and on my way back I took this shot of another Redrock Falls cascade.
And a final view of Redrock Lake.
Near Fishercap Lake I spotted this beautiful Grouse.
And deer from a distance.
Well, that’s it for the Swift Current Pass trail. Easy to moderately difficult before the climb to the Continental Divide. Next, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada. Then back to Glacier.
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