Near Grinnell Lake
Along the shores of Lake Josephine. with permission from danhester
Near Grinnell Lake
Bighorn Ram in front of the Many Glacier Hotel.
Near Grinnell Lake
Glacier National Park. with permission from danhester
Near Grinnell Lake
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA with permission from danhester
Near Grinnell Lake
Stunning scenery abounds!

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Grinnell Lake

4.6 (21 Ratings)
Head out from the Many Glacier Hotel along the southern lake shores and creeks leading to Grinnell.
7
mi
Distance
219
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyLakeLakefrontRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Bring bear spray.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.96mi
Distance
219ft
Elevation Gain
219ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
4,963ft
High Point
4,885ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
To access this hike, head into the Many Glacier area and take a left over the Swiftcurrent Creek bridge. Continue toward the historic !Many Glacier Hotel and park in the lot. Head down to the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake by the hotel. Follow the shoreline south until you get to the trailhead.Go along the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and stay on the east side of the creek instead of taking the bridge as the trail transitions onto the Swiftcurrent Cutoff Trail. It then merges onto the South Shore Lake Josephine Trail passing Stump Lake, then a really beautiful look at the foot of Lake Josephine. At around mile 2.5, just past the boat dock, you'll come to the end of Lake Josephine. Continue past the trail junction where Josephine Walk wraps around the head of the lake into the forest.Once past Lake Josephine, follow Cataract Creek upstream for just under a mile. Look for a spur trail off to the left to see !Hidden Falls, which is a waterfall tucked in among the rocks. Once back on the trail, cross the swinging bridge over Cataract Creek and continue southwest for another quarter mile to the shores of Grinnell Lake. The lake sits tucked beneath the base of Mt. Gould, Angel Wing, and Grinnell Mountain with Grinnell Falls cascading from the Grinnell and Salamander Glaciers.To return, head back the way you came or take the Josephine Walk on the north side of Lake Josephine and follow the Swiftcurrent Lake Trail around the lake in either direction. This route is a fairly level stroll.This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit www.hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Jake Bramante