Bullhead Lake

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Head out on this beautiful route that, compared to others of the same distance, maintains a fairly level grade. This hike has many opportunities to see wildlife, especially moose, along a chain of lakes connected by creeks that sit below towering peaks.

The trail is busy in the summer with the crowds shrinking with each lake, so an early start is recommended. And an early start also give you a better chance to see wildlife.

Always bring a warm hat and gloves as well as a rain jacket as travel through this area, even on a hot summer day, can change quickly. Make sure that you either purchase or rent bear spray. It can be rented in Apgar Village.

To access this hike, head west on Many Glacier Road to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Park in the main parking lot for the Inn and head to the west end of the parking lot and look for the Swiftcurrent Pass trailhead.

The hike up the Swiftcurrent Creek drainage to Bullhead Lake is the ideal trail if you want to take a longer hike that is fairly flat, visits a few lakes, a waterfall, has picturesque vistas, and provides many great opportunities to see moose and other wildlife.

About a quarter of a mile in, the trail passes by Fishercap Lake. A poorly signed spur trail heads down to the shore of the lake. Make sure you swing down there and look for waterfowl and moose. Continue on to Redrock Lake with great vistas and a brief glimpse of Redrock Falls. The trail wraps around the lake to the cascading falls, and then heads on to Bullhead Lake, where the trail trades trees for open meadows and views at the head of the drainage.

At around the 3.5-mile marker, you'll come to a lovely viewpoint that overlooks the largest body of Bullhead Lake up toward Mt Grinnell. This is a great spot to have a snack or lunch break before heading back on the same route to your vehicle.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

The star of this valley is the abundant moose which frequent the three lakes, often feeding for some time, giving you the chance to see more than a fleeting glimpse. Bears also frequent this area, so be alert. Bighorn sheep can be seen in the rounded foothills and mountain goats higher up on the cliff ledges.