From its source, it flows south past Pine Cree Regional Park[3] through valleys and coulees towards the south-eastern slopes of the hills.

As it flows out of the Cypress Hills, it turns sharply north towards the community of South Fork where it follows a glacial meltwater channel that was formed during the last ice age.

The dam was built by the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) to supply water for the Rush Lake, Waldeck, and Herbert irrigation projects.

About 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) east of Waldeck, Swift Current Creek changes direction and heads north towards Lake Diefenbaker, still following the meltwater channel.

[6][7][8] Fish species found in the river system include brown trout, walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike.