Fishercap Lake

Posted in Hikes / National Parks
Updated January 1, 2023

Fishercap Lake is a short, flat hike that is appropriate for all levels. It is in the Swiftcurrent area of Glacier National Park, which is abundant with wildlife. It is advisable to carry bear spray when hiking in this area, even though the hike is only about three-quarters of a mile roundtrip.

Hike Info

Rating: Easy
Distance: .6 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Fees: Glacier National Park Fee
Tips: Hike in the morning or evening for animal sightings. We saw a moose and a black bear on this trail on our evening hike.

The hike begins at the end of the parking lot and can be extended to Red Rock Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall. But if you have small children or grandparents along, stick to Fishercap Lake.

The trail is well shaded and quite short with a great chance of seeing wildlife, which makes it very popular. It winds through the trees for a few hundred meters before Fishercap Lake comes into view on your left. The trail splits, with the right fork leading to Red Rock Falls, and the left fork sloping down to the shore.

Follow the trail to Fishercap Lake/Red Rock Falls.

There are a few different bridges to cross along the trail, which is always fun.

The river on the trail is a fun stop, too.

The trail to Fishercap Lake is very shady.

Watch for this branch down toward the lake.

When we arrived at the lake, we saw several mergansers swimming on the mirror surface. We walked along the shoreline trail for a few yards and saw a mother moose bathing in the water. She was eating from the bottom of the lake and splashing herself with the water. We watched for quite a while before noticing a flicker in the bushes. Using binoculars, we discovered this flicker to be a moose calf, twitching her ears to pick up different sounds or shoo away flies. She was so beautiful and peaceful.

You can walk right on the edge of the lake.

We watched this moose splash in the water for quite some time.

Someone helped us spot the baby moose, and we were so grateful.

The path leads along the edge of Fisher Cap Lake to the far end. The best route back is to turn around the way you came.

Extension: If you decide to continue on to Red Rock Falls, pick a trail at the end of the lake that leads uphill. They all seem to go back to the main trail for the waterfall.

Be sure to check out all of our Glacier National Park Kid Hikes to help you plan your trip!

If you continue on to Red Rock Falls, take one of this small trails from Fishercap Lake back to the main trail.

Directions:

The Fishercap Lake trail begins at the Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead in Many Glacier. The trailhead is located at the end of the parking lot by the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn at the end of the Many Glacier road.