There are so many beautiful things to see in Montana, and I'm always looking to chase waterfalls when I go home to visit my family and explore Glacier National Park. These waterfalls in Montana should not be missed, and you'll find many of them on easy trails in Glacier when you go.
Waterfalls in Montana you need to add your itinerary
You don't want to miss these waterfalls in Montana--especially when crafting your Glacier National Park itinerary!
Florence Falls in Glacier National Park
Florence Falls is a great option if you're looking to explore the waterfalls in Glacier National Park. It's a bit off the beaten path, and the trail can be overgrown at times, so it's not a common stop on most people's itinerary, but it's one that you should certainly consider. Not only will you have the opportunity to view the stunning staircase waterfall known as Florence Falls, but you'll also be treated to incredible views of the surrounding mountains, as well as, access to the aptly named Mirror Pond. The trailhead begins at the Jackson Glacier Overlook, which is located off the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It's approximately a nine-and-a-half-mile hike to the waterfall and back.
Baring Falls in Glacier National Park
Another glacier waterfall worth checking out is Baring Falls. Located in Glacier National Park, the falls can be accessed via the Piegan Pass Trail, which is situated near the East Glacier Park Village. The trail itself is a gentle two-mile hike round trip that is commonly frequented by visitors. The falls feature a drop of approximately 25 feet and feed into Saint Mary Lake. There are several paths along the falls that allow visitors to explore both above and below the waterfall.
Crow Creek Falls
One of the more popular waterfalls in Montana for camping just so happens to be Crow Creek Falls. Located in Helena National Forest near Radersburg, Montana, the trail leading up to the falls offers several campsites that are commonly visited by both locals and tourists alike. The path to Crow Creek Falls is about three miles one way and provides excellent views of the Crow Creek valley and Elkhorn Mountains. The waterfall itself is pretty spectacular, spilling into a large pool that makes for a great spot to go swimming and fishing. There are even pools above the waterfall that you can climb up and explore.
Apikuni Falls in Glacier National Park
Apikuni Falls is a skinny but tall waterfall that cascades and free falls over several rocks and ledges. It can be reached via the Appekunny Creek Trail, a short but steep pathway that is just under a mile long each way. This Glacier National Park waterfall is quite popular among visitors, especially in the spring when the snow first melts. You can even view the waterfall from the parking lot if you'd rather not venture down the trail.
Be advised, though, that there is limited parking at the trailhead, so if you plan on going, try to arrive early to beat the crowds.
Ptarmigan Falls in Glacier National Park
Situated behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Ptarmigan Falls is another must for your Glacier National Park itinerary. While you can't get up close and personal with this waterfall due to the steep terrain that surrounds it, there are some great lookout points along the trail. One of the best spots to view the falls is about two and a half miles down the path--from here you can see most of the waterfall. If you continue along the trail, you'll come across an excellent picnic spot located just above the falls. If you do plan on eating here, just be sure to be on alert for bears. As with many of the glacier waterfalls in the park, bears are known to frequent the area, especially in spring.
Running Eagle Falls in Glacier National Park
Located near East Glacier Park Village, Running Eagle Falls is a popular waterfall that is relatively easy to get to. The trail that leads to the falls is a loop of only about half a mile long and is maintained enough to be handicap accessible. Nicknamed the "Trick Falls," the waterfall is actually two in one, stacked on top of each other. In the spring, the upper waterfall takes on so much water from the snow run-off that it can at times hide the lower waterfall from sight.
If you plan on adding this waterfall to your itinerary, be sure to arrive early, as the parking lot can get quite full in the afternoons.
Pinkham Creek Falls
Pinkham Creek is a popular waterfall in Montana, located about six miles outside of Eureka, Montana and a perfect stop on your Montana road trip. Situated in a gorge, this waterfall is an excellent spot for fishing, swimming, and cliff jumping. The trail to the falls is fairly short, but it does have a steep decline and is prone to loose gravel, so be careful as you make your way down. This spot is frequently visited by locals, so you're sure to run into a few people on your way in or out.
Memorial Falls
Featuring two waterfalls, Memorial Falls can be reached via a short loop that begins just outside of Neihart, Montana. About 400 yards in, you'll come to your first waterfall, where seating has been installed. From there, it's just another ten-minute walk to the second waterfall. If you're looking to see the falls at their fullest, be sure to come in the spring and summer months. While the falls are accessible during the winter, they are usually nothing more than a trickle and have even been known to freeze up completely.
Holland Falls
Of all the waterfalls in Montana, some of the best are those that feed into lakes, which also means that you have access to some of the amazing lakes in Montana by visiting waterfalls! Holland Falls is one great example of that. The waterfall is beautiful on its own, but the lake that it feeds into, Holland Lake, makes it even more stunning. Located in the middle of a forest near Condon, Montana, the lake and falls have become popular spots for hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and canoeing. There's even a lodge set up on the lake, where you can rent cabins if you want to stay and explore the area for longer than a day.
Kootenai Falls
Kootenai Falls has got to be one of the most famous waterfalls in Montana; it was, after all, featured in the Oscar-winning film "The Revenant." The waterfalls, which is sacred to the local native American Kootenai tribe, features a drop of over 300 feet, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the state. There's even a swinging bridge nearby that crosses the river below the falls, offering incredible views of the waterfall and surrounding area. While you're up there, make sure to be on the lookout for wildlife, the area is frequently visited by deer, elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and moose.
Red Rock Falls in Glacier National Park
Montana waterfalls are known not just for the incredible views they provide but also for the wildlife that they draw in. And Red Rock Falls just so happens to be a great place to view the park's infamous grizzly bears. This is especially true during spring when the bears awaken from hibernation. The spring is also when the falls are at their fullest, as they are being fueled by the melting snow.
The hike to Red Rock Falls begins at the Swiftcurrent Pass, located in Many Glacier. Its trail is just under two miles in length and leads visitors directly to the stunning cascading waterfall.
Virginia and St. Mary's Falls in Glacier National Park
Virginia and St. Mary's Falls are some of the most popular Glacier National Park waterfalls. Located just off the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the trail to the waterfalls is relatively easy to traverse, covering about one and a half miles in total. The majority of the time, the trail travels parallel to Virginia Creek, crossing over St. Mary's River near the St. Mary's Fall.
The bridge used to cross the creek offers splendid views of the falls and presents the perfect photo opportunity. Further down the trail is Virginia Falls, a large waterfall that dramatically drops into the Virginia Creek. Along the way, you'll also have the chance to pass by some smaller unnamed waterfalls and a few lakes that make for perfect swimming holes in the summer months. This is also considered one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park.
Woodbine Falls
While Woodbine Falls may not be one of the most popular waterfalls in Montana, it does offer stunning views in a very peaceful and serene setting. Located near Nye, Montana, the falls are easily reached via a short hike that is just under a mile long. The falls are quite stunning to behold, as they cascade 300 feet down a ravine into Stillwater River. The area around the waterfalls is a perfect place to picnic or simply sit back and relax.
Ousel Falls
Located near Gallatin Gateway, Montana, Ousel Falls is a stunning waterfall that is complemented with scenic views, a picnic area, and a large pool in which hikers can swim. The trail to the waterfall is just under a mile long and offers hikers four routes from which to reach the falls. The path to the far right leads to what's known as the South Fork Overlook, a lookout point that provides the best views of the waterfall and surrounding area.
The path next to that leads to the top of the waterfalls, while the one on the other side of it leads to the base of the waterfall with its picnic area and swimming hole. Lastly, the path to the far left leads to another lookout point known as the Ousel Falls Overlook.
Calamity and Sentinel Falls
Calamity and Sentinel Falls are some of the best waterfalls in Montana for fishing. In fact, most people who venture to these falls come for the sole purpose of catching some dinner. While the fishing may be spectacular, the waterfalls themselves are even more stunning with their cascading falls that dramatically flow over rocks and ledges. Located near Red Lodge, Montana, the hike to the falls is just over a mile long and is relatively easy to traverse with minimal elevation gain.
Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is a must for anyone traveling in the Hyalite Canyon area. With its well-maintained trail, refreshing swimming holes, and, of course, stunning, powerful waterfall, it's the perfect spot to stop and cool off on a hot day. Located near Emigrant, Montana, Grotto Falls is easily reached via a mile-long trail that offers impressive views of the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls. It's common to see locals and visitors walking, jogging, and mountain biking along the path.
Morrell Falls
Located in the Lolo National Forest, Morrell Falls can be accessed via the Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail, a moderately traveled path that is just under three miles in length. Situated at the end of this trail and at the base of the Swan Mountain Range, you can find the Morrell Falls, a double waterfall that drops down 90 feet into Morrell Creek. This creek feeds into Morrell Lake, a pristine, natural setting that offers stunning views of the surrounding area, lakeside camping, swimming, and fishing. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also common activities that visitors can partake in.
Rockwell Falls in Glacier National Park
There are actually two waterfalls located at Rockwell Falls. The main waterfall that is most visible from the trail drops down about 30 or 40 feet, cascading over the rocks and ledges. The second waterfall lies about one hundred feet behind and is similar in height; however, it can be difficult to spot without a bit of bushwhacking. The trail to the waterfalls can be accessed near the boat landing on the southern shore of Two Medicine Lake. It's a little over three miles in length and travels parallel to the lake offering stunning views of the lake and its surrounding mountain peaks.
Palisade Falls
Palisade Falls is one of the most family-friendly waterfalls in Montana. Located near Bozeman, the falls are easily reached via a short half-mile paved path that requires little to no hiking skills or experience. It's accessible to just about everyone and is commonly visited by families with small children. The waterfall itself is tall, towering, and full, dropping 80 feet down Palisade Mountain.
While the falls are pretty popular, parking shouldn't be an issue as there is a large parking lot located at the trailhead, as well as, public restrooms.
Natural Bridge Falls
Located near McLeod, Montana, the Natural Bridge Falls are easily accessible via a .35 mile trail--it's the shortest trail on this list! Don't let the ease of the path fool you however, as this waterfall is massive. Dropping down into a giant canyon, the fall tumbles off the canyon's ledge in multiple locations, rolling over some rather impressive rock formations.
There are trails that will allow you to explore the falls from both above and below, offering different vantage points and photo opportunities. While the waterfall is most impressive in the summer months, if you come during the winter, you'll also have the chance to explore the ice caves that are easily accessible as the waterfall slows down.
Have you ever explored any of these waterfalls in Montana? Let me know your favorites in the comments!
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