Swiftcurrent Lake

Swiftcurrent Lake sits in the heart of Glacier National Park's Many Glacier valley, surrounded by dramatic peaks including Grinnell Point and Mount Wilbur that rise sharply from the water's edge. The lake's calm surface acts as a mirror for the mountains, making reflections a key part of almost any composition here. Early morning is the best time to shoot, when wind is minimal and the light catches the rocky faces of the peaks with a warm alpine glow. Position yourself along the eastern shoreline near the Many Glacier Hotel for classic wide-angle shots that take in both the reflections and the full sweep of the surrounding ridgeline. A 24-35mm lens covers most compositions well, though a longer focal length lets you compress the peaks. The area is accessible by car via the Many Glacier Road, and the lakeshore trail gives you multiple vantage points to explore. (Glacier National Park, Montana, United States)