Bullhead Lake
| Trail Features: | Outstanding Lake Views, Waterfalls |  |
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| Trail Location: | Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead | ||||
| Roundtrip Length: | 7.2 Miles | ||||
| Total Elevation Gain: | 425 Feet | ||||
| Avg. Elev Gain / Mile: | 118 Feet | ||||
| Highest Elevation: | 5245 Feet | ||||
| Trail Difficulty Rating: | 8.05 (moderate) | ||||
| Parking Lot Latitude | 48.79763 | ||||
| Parking Lot Longitude | -113.67854 | ||||
Trail Description:
The hike to Bullhead Lake in Glacier National Park begins from the Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead in Many Glacier. The trailhead is located at the far end of the parking area for the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn at the end of Many Glacier Road.
A short distance from the normally busy parking lot the trail crosses over Wilbur Creek. After walking roughly one-third of a mile hikers will reach the side path that leads to Fishercap Lake, the first destination on this hike. From this junction it's a very short walk of less than a hundred yards to reach its northern shore. Although some might bypass this gem, it's well worth the trip, as the views of the lake and the surrounding mountains are quite stunning. Fishercap Lake is also a great place to spot a moose, especially in the mornings and early evenings. The lake's name is a reference to George Bird Grinnell, whom the Blackfeet Indians called "Fishercap".
At roughly 0.8 miles the trail begins passing through a long stretch of aspens growing alongside the path, making this an excellent choice for a fall hike when their leaves turn golden yellow and orange.
For the most part the trail travels under the canopy of the forest as it makes its way towards Bullhead Lake; however, there are several open areas along the way that provide outstanding views of the surrounding mountains. You'll also pass through several patches of thimbleberries and huckleberries that can make for some tasty snacks when in season. Although this is a very popular trail, hikers should still make plenty of noise to warn any bears that might be around that you're passing through their territory. It's also a good idea to carry bear spray as well.
At 1.7 miles hikers will reach Redrock Lake, the second destination on this hike. Like Fishercap, the views from this lake are also extremely beautiful. Here you'll enjoy commanding views of 8851-foot Mt. Grinnell and Swiftcurrent Glacier towards the southwest, and 8436-foot Swiftcurrent Mountain almost directly towards the west. If you look closely you may be able to spot the fire tower atop Swiftcurrent Mountain. On the opposite side of the lake, lying below Mt. Grinnell, is Redrock Falls.
From this point the trail proceeds along the northern shore of the lake. As you make your way around to the far western shore you'll pass some of the red rock formations that provided the inspiration for the naming of the nearby lake and falls.
At just over 2 miles hikers will reach an unmarked split in the trail. Walking a short distance along the left fork will lead you down to Redrock Falls, which are actually a series of cascades, and in my opinion, one of the more picturesque waterfalls in Glacier National Park. Upon arrival at the lower falls you'll notice several social trails leading to various vantage points that offer views of the lower and upper falls.
After returning back to the main trail you'll continue for a very short distance before reaching a viewpoint of the highest falls in the series. Swiftcurrent Mountain will provide the backdrop for a picture-perfect scene here.
Once beyond the falls hikers will pass through several more open areas that offer outstanding views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Grinnell on your left, Swiftcurrent Mountain straight ahead, and Mount Wilbur off to your right. You'll also be able to see Swiftcurrent Glacier just off to the left of Swiftcurrent Mountain from this vantage point.
As a result of the lakes, stream, and an abundance of willows, the entire Swiftcurrent Valley is excellent habitat for moose. You'll have a great chance of spotting one almost anywhere on this hike, including right alongside the trail.
At roughly 3.4 miles the trail crosses over a suspension bridge. Soon afterwards you'll reach a side trail that leads down to Bullhead Lake. Hikers will have the option of walking down this social path for about a tenth-of-a-mile, or staying on the main trail and walking another tenth-of-a-mile to reach the shore of the lake. In my opinion the social trail provides much better views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
From the northeastern shore of Bullhead Lake hikers will enjoy great views of Swiftcurrent Mountain and Swiftcurrent Glacier, as well as the headwall above the lake. For those who wish to explore more of the terrain in this area, the main trail continues past the lake before climbing steeply up to Swiftcurrent Pass. The views of the Swiftcurrent Valley are quite amazing, even if you only travel another 1.5 miles beyond the lake.
