Grinnell Lake Trail in Glacier National Park: Hidden Falls, Boat Options, and More

Grinnell Lake is a 7.8-mile moderate hike in Glacier National Park’s Many Glacier area. With just 462 feet of elevation gain and nonstop scenery, this trail offers one of the best effort-to-reward ratios in the park. The destination is a striking turquoise lake backed by dramatic peaks and cascading waterfalls, all fed by the glacier that gives the lake its name.

Trail Overview

The hike begins at the Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead near the Many Glacier Hotel and follows a paved path around Swiftcurrent Lake. Early on, you’ll get great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, making it clear why this area is one of the park’s most popular destinations.

There are several options for how to approach the trail:

• Easiest Route: Take two boat rides-one across Swiftcurrent Lake and another across Lake Josephine. This cuts about 5 miles off the hike.
• South Shore Trail: Skip the boats and take the trail along the south side of Josephine Lake.
• North Shore Trail (Recommended): This route offers better views and a more scenic experience overall. It’s the route I prefer.

Whichever way you go, the trail along Lake Josephine features rolling hills and mild elevation changes. At the far end of the lake, you’ll transition onto the Grinnell Lake Trail for the final 1.3-mile stretch to the lake.

Hidden Falls and a Creek Crossing

Before reaching Grinnell Lake, you’ll find a short 0.2-mile spur trail to Hidden Falls. I highly recommend making this quick side trip-it’s well worth it.

After the falls, you may need to ford Cataract Creek depending on the season and bridge status. When I hiked it, the bridge was being replaced and hadn’t yet been installed. Fortunately, the creek was shallow-about knee deep-and easy to cross.

The Main Event: Grinnell Lake

Once across the creek, the trail gently climbs to Grinnell Lake. The lake itself is stunning. Its intense turquoise color comes from glacial silt carried down from Grinnell Glacier above. Towering cliffs and waterfalls frame the lake, making this one of the most photogenic spots in the park.

This is an out-and-back hike, so you’ll return the same way you came. If you took the north shore trail on the way in, consider taking the south shore trail on the way back to vary the scenery.

Tips and Final Thoughts

Grinnell Lake is located in the Many Glacier region, which is also home to top-rated hikes like Iceberg Lake, Cracker Lake, and Grinnell Glacier. It’s also a hotspot for wildlife, so keep your eyes open for moose, bears, and other animals along the way.

Because of its popularity, Many Glacier often requires a separate vehicle reservation in addition to your park pass. Be sure to check the Glacier National Park website for the latest information before you go.

Grinnell Lake is one of my all-time favorite hikes in the park. With jaw-dropping scenery, minimal elevation gain, and options to shorten the distance via boat, it’s a perfect choice for almost any visitor.