Lake Josephine Loop
| Trail Features: | Outstanding Lake Views |  |
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| Trail Location: | Many Glacier Hotel Boat Dock | ||||
| Roundtrip Length: | 5.8 Miles | ||||
| Total Elevation Gain: | 225 Feet | ||||
| Avg. Elev Gain / Mile: | 78 Feet | ||||
| Highest Elevation: | 4960 Feet | ||||
| Trail Difficulty Rating: | 6.25 (moderate) | ||||
| Parking Lot Latitude | 48.79667 | ||||
| Parking Lot Longitude | -113.65815 | ||||
Trail Description:
The Lake Josephine Loop begins from either the boat dock at the Many Glacier Hotel, or from the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead near the Many Glacier Picnic Area. The following describes the hike starting from the Many Glacier Hotel, and then proceeding in a counterclockwise direction. Since the views from the hotel are exceptionally beautiful it would seem to make sense to appreciate them twice; at both the beginning and end of your hike. At least that's my thinking!
The prominent mountains rising directly across from the historic hotel are Mount Gould, Grinnell Point and Mount Wilbur. These towering peaks, along with the Garden Wall, form a dramatic backdrop against Swiftcurrent Lake, and offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in Glacier National Park.
From the hotel you should begin walking towards the north end of the lake. Although you're never too far away from civilization on this hike, you should still be aware that you're traveling in grizzly bear country, and Many Glacier has the highest concentration of grizzlies in the park. As you proceed around the north end of the lake, look up towards the slopes of Altyn Peak to scan for bears and bighorn sheep. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the best times for spotting wildlife in this area.
As you continue walking along the north shore you'll also be treated to some outstanding views of the Many Glacier Hotel.
At roughly eight-tenths of a mile from the boat dock hikers will arrive at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead parking area. You should turn left here and walk another hundred yards to reach the trailhead. As previously mentioned, the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead offers hikers another point of entry onto the Lake Josephine Loop (also known as the Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail along this portion of the route).
From this trailhead the path proceeds through a pleasant mixed forest of lodgepole pine, spruce, fir and aspen, with occasional views of Grinnell Point and Mt. Wilbur off to your right.
Roughly a quarter-mile past the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead you'll arrive at the footbridge that crosses over Switftcurrent Creek. This bridge offers great views of Mt. Wilbur towards the west, and Wynn Mountain towards the east.
At roughly 1.7 miles from the Many Glacier Hotel you'll reach the south boat dock. Many hikers take the Chief Two Guns shuttle boat across Swiftcurrent Lake, then board the Morning Eagle to shuttle across Lake Josephine before embarking on the 3.6-mile trek to Grinnell Glacier. To continue on this loop you should turn right here and make the short climb up and over to the north dock on Lake Josephine.
After soaking in the incredibly beautiful views from the dock, hikers should continue along the North Shore Josephine Lake Trail. This section of trail passes through wooded and open areas that offer outstanding views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Hikers will enjoy stunning views of Angel Wing, Mt. Gould and the Garden Wall. The Salamander glacier is also visible along this stretch.
At roughly 2.7 miles hikers will arrive at the Grinnell Glacier Trail junction. This trail leads to close-up views of Grinnell Glacier, and is considered to be one of the premier hiking destinations in Glacier National Park. To continue on the loop you should stay to the left here.
Roughly 3.1 miles from the hotel hikers will reach another side path that leads to Grinnell Glacier. From here the loop circles around the west end of the lake, while passing over a series of boardwalks that protect marshy wetlands. Although you can see them almost anywhere on this route, this area is especially good moose habitat.
At just over 3.3 miles hikers will reach the side trail that leads to Hidden Falls and Grinnell Lake. To continue on the loop you should stay to the left and head towards the south boat dock area, which is only a short distance away. Once past the dock the trail begins to travel through a densely wooded forest. Much of this stretch is lined with thimbleberries, so it's important to make a lot of noise to let any bears know that you're passing through their territory.
After walking a little more than a mile past the boat dock hikers will reach a short side path that leads to a pebble rock beach. The beach offers stunning views of Angel Wing, the Garden Wall, The Salamander and Grinnell Falls plummeting towards Grinnell Lake. This is a perfect spot for an extended break or picnic.
At roughly 4.6 miles hikers will pass a side trail that leads to the Piegan Pass Trail, and at 4.8 miles will reach the trail that leads back to Swiftcurrent Lake. Hikers should turn left at this junction. In roughly two-tenths of a mile you'll arrive at the Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail. To continue on the loop and proceed towards the Many Glacier Hotel you should turn right here.
Roughly one-quarter of a mile past the junction hikers will pass the Chief Two Guns winter boat house, as well as a private residence for boat employees. As you continue towards the hotel there will be several short social trails that lead to small beach areas along the lake. Many of these will provide excellent views of the surrounding mountains, the Garden Wall and the Many Glacier Hotel. Some will even make for excellent picnic spots, snack breaks, or just another place to soak-in the views for a little while longer.
This is an excellent hike for almost everyone in the family. It's mostly flat, and has exceptionally beautiful scenery for almost the entire route.
