HardGround

Swiftcurrent Pass/Continental Divide Trail

Lake Mc Donald, Montana · Glacier County

Horse/Foot Trail Jct - Swiftcurrent Lookout Jct;Ptarmigan Cutoff - Horse/Foot Trail Jct;Swiftcurrent Lookout Jct - Highline Trail;Swiftcurrent Parking Lot - Horse Trail Jct

🧭 Get Directions 🗺️ Open in OSM

48.79876, -113.70426

Open in OpenStreetMap

5-Day Forecast

Weather at Swiftcurrent Pass/Continental Divide Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High51°F

Avg Low41°F

Peak Rain Chance78%

Humidity87%

UV (avg)3

Air Quality32 · Good

Today

🌦

Drizzle

56°/47°

💧 25%🌬 13mph

↑ 5:37 AM ↓ 9:27 PM

Sun

🌧

Light Rain

49°/42°

💧 75%🌬 11mph

↑ 5:36 AM ↓ 9:28 PM

Mon

❄️

Heavy Snow

42°/37°

💧 78%🌬 18mph

↑ 5:35 AM ↓ 9:29 PM

Tue

🌨

Light Snow

47°/38°

💧 69%🌬 5mph

↑ 5:35 AM ↓ 9:30 PM

Wed

☁️

Overcast

63°/40°

💧 14%🌬 4mph

↑ 5:34 AM ↓ 9:31 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Swiftcurrent Pass/Continental Divide Trail

Horse/Foot Trail Jct - Swiftcurrent Lookout Jct;Ptarmigan Cutoff - Horse/Foot Trail Jct;Swiftcurrent Lookout Jct - Highline Trail;Swiftcurrent Parking Lot - Horse Trail Jct

What “Hard” Means

Steep, technical, or long. Requires good fitness and experience.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 13 mph).
👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
☔
Rain jacket / shell
78% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
🔦
Headlamp + spare batteries
Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Montana

Trail conditions in Montana change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Swiftcurrent Pass/Continental Divide Trail?

Swiftcurrent Pass/Continental Divide Trail is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

Can I ride a bike on Swiftcurrent Pass/Continental Divide Trail?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

Are horses allowed on Swiftcurrent Pass/Continental Divide Trail?

Yes — horseback riding is permitted.

What is the trail surface on Swiftcurrent Pass/Continental Divide Trail?

The surface is ground. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike Swiftcurrent Pass/Continental Divide Trail?

Montana has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

References & Maps

View original OpenStreetMap record — source data
Open OpenStreetMap at trailhead
Driving directions (Google Maps)

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Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley

Photo: Tobias MrzykHardMT

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