Poia Lake

Overview

If you like your Many Glacier hikes with fewer people and more wild, Poia Lake delivers. This out-and-back is roughly 13 miles total with about 2,300–2,400 feet of gain. It’s a full-day effort that trades marquee crowds for solitude, big limestone walls, and a lakeshore worth lingering on.

Route

Start from the Apikuni Falls/Redgap Pass trailhead near Lake Sherburne. The trail rolls through meadows and aspen stands before settling into pine forest. You’ll pass Swiftcurrent Ridge Lake, then climb to Swiftcurrent Ridge. From the crest, the path drops steeply into the Kennedy Creek drainage and follows it to Poia Lake and its backcountry campground. In mid-summer, look for a small pebble beach along the shore—perfect for a lunch break or a quick cooldown. A short path beyond the outlet offers a vantage of the lake’s falls.

Difficulty and Conditions

This is a strenuous day hike for most, thanks to the total elevation and the climb back out of the Kennedy Creek drainage on the return. Expect sections that can be brushy and wet after rain, and occasional horse traffic. Cell service is unreliable. This is not a winter route; snow can linger on shaded slopes and the ridge well into summer—check recent conditions.

What You’ll See

Keep an eye on the park’s classic pale, layered limestone cliffs—part of the region’s distinctive belt rocks. In season, wildflowers light up the meadows. Wildlife is a real possibility here; hikers commonly report black bears and moose in this basin, and both black and grizzly bears roam the Many Glacier area. Give all animals plenty of space and carry bear spray.

Camping and Permits

There’s a designated backcountry campground at the lake. Overnight use requires a backcountry permit. Day hikers do not need a permit. Pets are not allowed on trails in Glacier National Park.

Variations and Cautions

An alternate start, the Sherburne Cutoff, can trim roughly 2–2.5 miles round-trip, but the first mile is a very steep grind and can be slick when wet—most hikers are happier with the standard approach. Some visitors mention an off-trail cave near the lake; it involves tight, wet, and potentially hazardous crawling. It’s not recommended.

Best Time to Hike

Mid to late summer is your best bet for snow-free travel and a visible beach. Start early for cooler temps, better wildlife awareness, and easier parking. Weekdays usually feel even quieter than weekends.

Tips

• Treat all water from creeks and the lake.
• Pack layers and rain gear—weather turns quickly.
• If you’re choosing among Many Glacier day hikes, this one trends quieter but more strenuous than the popular lakes-and-glaciers crowd-pleasers.