Chasing Waterfalls: Top Hikes to Explore Glacier National Park’s Stunning Falls

In: Trail Notes

Glacier National Park is home to nearly 200 waterfalls, each one showcasing nature’s beauty. In the spring, as the snow melts, tiny streams transform into winding creeks, flowing down to the lakes. Along the way, these creeks cascade over cliffs, creating the park’s breathtaking waterfalls. Here’s a list of some must-see waterfall hikes to explore:

St. Mary Falls & Virginia Falls
One of my favorite waterfall trails to explore, this 1.8-mile hike offers stunning views at every turn. The trailhead is located 10.5 miles west of St. Mary on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, just past Sunrift Gorge. The first part of the trail drops 260 vertical feet, leading you to a bridge over St. Mary River with mesmerizing views of St. Mary Falls. Continue to Virginia Creek, where small waterfalls lead up to Virginia Falls. It’s an easy hike with beautiful rewards!
Deadwood Falls
The hike to Deadwood Falls begins at the Jackson Glacier Overlook, 12.6 miles west of the St. Mary Entrance on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The trailhead is near the parking area’s eastern end. To reach the falls, take the Piegan Pass Trail south towards the Reynolds Creek Backcountry Campground. This 2.3-mile round-trip hike is worth the scenic views.
Red Rock Falls
Redrock Falls is an easy hike with impressive cascades and falls, plus subalpine lakes along the way. Begin your 4.2-mile round-trip hike at the Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead in Many Glacier. The trailhead is at the far end of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking area. With an elevation gain of 285 feet, this hike is both scenic and manageable.
Red Eagle Falls (“Trick Falls”)
A must-see in the Two Medicine area, this accessible .6-mile round-trip hike offers spectacular views of Red Eagle Falls. The trailhead is located 1.1 miles west of the Two Medicine entrance. The falls have earned the nickname “Trick Falls” because there are two separate waterfalls here. During spring runoff, the upper falls drop 40 feet while the lower falls are obscured, but as water volume decreases later in summer, the lower 20-foot falls become visible, creating a magical spectacle.
Florence Falls
A scenic day hike leads to Florence Falls, which can be reached through forested trails. The hike brings you to Mirror Pond, a truly picturesque spot in the park, where the scenery is some of the most breathtaking in Glacier.
Rockwell Falls
The hike to Rockwell Falls travels through meadows in the Two Medicine Valley, culminating in a stunning waterfall resembling a beautiful curtain. The 7-mile round-trip hike begins at the South Shore Trailhead at Two Medicine Lake. The views of Sinopah Mountain, Lone Walker Mountain, and Flinsch Peak from the trailhead are some of the most picturesque in the park. Elevation gain is 375 feet.
Baring Falls
This short .8-mile hike off the Going-to-the-Sun Road leads to Baring Falls, a 25-foot waterfall. The trail offers a beautiful view of Baring Creek as it tumbles down the rocks and flows into St. Mary Lake. The trailhead is located at Sunrift Gorge with an elevation gain of 160 feet.
Ptarmigan Falls
Ptarmigan Falls is one of the more impressive falls in the park, though the steep terrain makes it hard to get a close-up view. Despite this, the hike offers fantastic views of Many Glacier Valley and is one of the top trails for those seeking a rewarding experience.
Aster Falls
The hike to Aster Falls begins at the South Shore Trailhead at Two Medicine Lake. At 1.1 miles, you’ll cross Aster Creek before reaching the Aster Park Trail, which leads to both Aster Falls and the Aster Park Overlook, offering spectacular vistas along the way.
Apikuni Falls
This 2.8-mile hike from the Poia Lake Trailhead to Apikuni Falls offers a relatively short but steep climb. The trailhead is located 2.8 miles west of the Many Glacier entrance. Although parking is limited to about 12 cars, the views of Atlyn Peak and Apikuni Mountain from the trailhead make it a beautiful starting point for this popular hike.