Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
10.00 ft (3.05 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
0.50 mi (0.80 km)
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If you have time to kill or want to pack in a short hike before leaving Glacier National Park, the brief walk to Swiftcurrent Falls is a great option.

For those staying in the Many Glacier Hotel or Many Glacier Campground, it is easy to hike from either to visit the falls. From Route 3, turn onto the road to the Many Glacier Hotel. You will see small parking areas off the road on either side of the bridge. Be mindful of where you park, as some areas are privately owned. If parking is limited, you can usually find some spots near the hotel. From the hotel, it is a brief walk down a paved road to the trailhead.

The trail is unmarked, and it starts past a hill just across the bride over Swiftcurrent River (the outflow of Swiftcurrent Lake) from Route 3. Follow the trail and you will reach a picnic area. Once reaching the picnic area, the route is obvious, just keep following the trail that parallels the river, and take in the views whenever you can. 

The trail is less than a half mile, so it is a great option in the evening, when you are pressed for time, or if you are just wanting a scenic snack stop before checking out the rest of the park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Short hike, beautiful scenery, close to road

Cons

Limitied parking, sometimes crowded

Trailhead Elevation

4,915.00 ft (1,498.09 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Geologically significant

Location

Comments

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