You’ve seen McDonald Falls, Bird Woman, and the Weeping Wall from the car. You’ve already hiked Virginia Falls, Running Eagle, and Baring Falls. Luckily, Glacier has no shortage of beautiful waterfalls and there are plenty more less trafficked and breathtaking waterfalls if you’re willing to put in some extra work. Here are four more waterfall hikes in Glacier worth the trek, in order from easiest to challenging.
Apikuni Falls
Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip
Trailhead: Poia Lake Trailhead, Many Glacier
The easiest and most accessible on our list, Apikuni Falls drops an incredible 100 ft down pale glacial rock into a shallow pool. The hike takes you 1.8 miles roundtrip up a steep trail- gaining over 600 ft in elevation. You will be able to walk right up to the misty falls, just be careful navigating slick and wet rocks!
Apikuni Falls Trail via Appekunny Creek Trail on AllTrails
Ptarmigan Falls
Distance: 5.2 miles roundtrip
Trailhead: Iceberg Lake Trailhead, Many Glacier
Ptarmigan Falls, also located in the many Glacier Valley, is a fantastic day hike for the waterfall enthusiast. Glacier has some beautiful banded rock, and this waterfall is a prime example. Blue water tumbles down red white and green rock into a small gemstone green pool. The trail is a little longer than your easiest waterfall hikes but offers stunning views of Mt. Grinell and Ptarmigan Wall. This area of the park has a particularly dense bear population, so be sure to carry bear spray and make plenty of noise.
Ptarmigan Falls Trail on AllTrails
Rockwell Falls
Distance: 6.6 miles roundtrip
Trailhead: South Shore Trailhead at Two Medicine Lake
A relatively flat day hike, the Rockwell Falls trail starts along the beautiful Two Medicine Lake and winds through verdant forest along Paradise Creek, crossing a fun suspension bridge. The falls itself is a series of two, with the lower, larger one dropping 35 ft into a mossy emerald green grotto. This area is frequented by wildlife such as moose and beavers, so stay alert and keep your eyes open.
Rockwell Falls Trail on AllTrails
Beaver Chief Falls- Lincoln lake
Distance: Nearly 20 miles roundtrip
Trailhead: Lincoln Lake Trail, Lake McDonald
Are you an ambitious hiker looking for a proper challenge? The hike to Lincoln Lake may be for you. Out of the waterfall hikes in Glacier, this is the most challenging and possible the most rewarding. Beaver Chief falls, which connect Lincoln and Ellen Wilson Lake, cascades a stunning 1,200 ft. The hike takes you up the Lincoln Lake Trail, switchbacking through old growth forest. Lincoln Lake is a true opaque glacial blue and this is one of the most beautiful and most secluded areas of the park. It is possible to split this hike into multiple days- just be sure to get a backcountry campsite reservation well in advance!
Like the rest of the park, these shorter waterfall hikes in Glacier have limited parking and the lots fill up fast! It is a great idea to plan to go early in the morning right when the park opens to increase your odds of finding parking and beat the crowds of people.
Need help planning your Glacier adventure? Call us anytime! We would love to help make your time in montana memorable.
