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Swiftcurrent Mountain

Glacier Park

Views from the Summits:
Swiftcurrent Mountain

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

This is a view of Swiftcurrent Mountain from the Many Glacier Hotel. 

Swiftcurrent Mountain (8,436 feet) resides at the head of the great Swiftcurrent Valley, directly on the continental divide.  The view that is the most impressive on this summit is the view looking straight down the ENTIRE Swiftcurrent Valley, all the way to the Many Glacier Hotel, and beyond.

This is not a climb at all.  Instead, it's a steep hike up a well maintained trail.  This trail leaves the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail  just west of the pass and heads two miles up to the summit through a series of several switchbacks.

Most people that hike up to the summit take the Highline Trail to the Granite Park Chalet.  They then stay the night at the historic chalet, and the next morning they will hike up to the top of Swiftcurrent Mountain.  From there, they head back down to the main trail, hike eastward across Swiftcurrent Pass, and begin the steep ascent into the Swiftcurrent Valley and then on to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn/Many Glacier Hotel.

Because of it's ideal location, and because horses can walk up to the summit via the well maintained trail, there is a Fire Lookout Tower on the summit that houses a person 24 hours a day during the fire season.  But the huge advantage of it's location is that it provides visitors with incredible views, and it gives non-climbers the opportunity to see and feel what it's like to be on a summit.

Views from the Summit

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

The classic view of the Swiftcurrent Valley from the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

This photo shows you some of the features along the floor of the Swiftcurrent Valley as seen from the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain in Glacier National Park.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

This is a view to the north from the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain.  Below is the North Swiftcurrent Glacier, and all of the peaks in this photo are of the Northern Lewis Range in Glacier National Park.  The sharp peak to the right is Iceberg Peak.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

Another photo of the Swiftcurrent Valley from the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain.  The large peak to the left is Mount Wilbur, and the lake directly below Mount Wilbur is Windmaker Lake.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

Another view of the Northern Lewis Range.  The tallest peak to the distant right is Mount Cleveland, the tallest peak in Glacier National Park.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

This is a photo of Swiftcurrent Glacier, with Mount Gould looming behind it.  Below the glacier is the Swiftcurrent Headwall, where the Swiftcurrent Trail winds up to get you to Swiftcurrent Pass.  The camera is pointing south.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

Shannon enjoying the view from the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain in Glacier National Park.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

Mount Gould rises above Swiftcurrent Glacier.  The camera is pointing south from the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

The eastward view from Swiftcurrent Mountain is absolutely spectacular.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

This is a view of Heavens Peak from the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain.  Heavens Peak is to the west of the summit and is located in Glacier National Park's Livingston Range.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

The Northern Lewis Range as viewed from the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

Swiftcurrent Mountain has a lookout tower that is staffed full time during the summer fire season.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

This is a view of Mount Cleveland from the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain.  Mount Cleveland is the tallest peak in Glacier National Park.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

North Swiftcurrent Glacier rests below Swiftcurrent Mountain to the north.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

Dave appears to be a tiny spec in this photo of the Swiftcurrent Valley.  Can you see him?

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

Swiftcurrent Glacier rests to the south of Swiftcurrent Mountain.  The peak to the upper left is Mount Siyeh, and the peak to the far right is Mount Gould.

Swiftcurrent Mountain, Glacier National Park

You will never forget your hike to the summit of Swiftcurrent Mountain. 

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