Boating

Rent a canoe or rowboat at the boat dock behind the hotel. Determined canoeists will heft their boats 0.25 mile over the moraine separating Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes. The isolation and views from Josephine Lake are worth the portage.

Motorboats, except for the “scenic cruise boats,” are prohibited on Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes but are allowed on larger Lake Sherburne.

Horseback Riding

The corral (406/732-4203) behind the Many Glacier Hotel parking lot is the starting point for several regularly scheduled guided horseback rides. All-day rides (about $135) leave each morning to Poia Lake. Shorter rides ($32–80) leave several times a day for Grinnell Lake, Josephine Lake, or Cracker Flats.

Fishing

There are trout in Swiftcurrent Lake, but they’re not always eager to swallow a hook. Both Josephine and Grinnell Lakes are home to brook trout; it’s worth the extra hike to Grinnell Lake for both the beautiful turquoise lake and the fish. For a change from the trout, head down to Sherburne Lake for northern pike.

Camping

No reservations are accepted for the Many Glacier Campground (late May–late Sept., $20; late Sept.–Oct. primitive camping $10), so campers need to grab a spot early in the day; it’s often full shortly after noon.

© W.C. McRae & Judy Jewell from Moon Montana, 7th Edition