10 of the Most Impressive Waterfalls in Montana

Montana’s terrain is nothing short of spectacular and breathtaking. Snow-capped mountains and beautiful pine trees abound in this state. As well as the mountains, Montana is also home to hundreds of waterfalls. As a result, if you’re a fan of the outdoors, Big Sky Country is the perfect place for you.

Check out these 10 incredible waterfalls in Montana if you’re seeking adventure.

1. St. Mary’s and Virginia Falls

Located in Glacier Park, these two 50-foot waterfalls provide a breathtaking sight that you should not miss while visiting the park. Aside from the two majestic falls, there are a few other unidentified waterfalls on the way, so you can see four in a day. It takes about 2.5 miles to complete the hike.

2. Florence Falls

Florence Falls is a wonderful place to begin exploring the waterfalls in Glacier National Park if you wish to do so. Because it’s off the main road and may get overgrown at times, it’s not a typical stop on most people’s itinerary, but it’s worth exploring. Besides the spectacular Florence Falls stairway waterfall, you will also have access to the Mirror Pond and fantastic vistas of the surrounding mountains.

3. Running Eagle Falls

Running Eagle Falls is not the highest or most impressive waterfall in the area, but it is one that will enchant you for hours. The falls, named for a female Blackfeet warrior, is a deceptive waterfall found in east Glacier that is noted for appearing to flow in the opposite direction. The falls are known as Trick Falls because in the spring, when there is the most water, there is a 40-foot plunge that conceals a smaller cascade below.

4. Redrock Falls 

The waterfalls in Montana are not just famous for the breathtaking scenery they provide but also for the fauna they attract. Redrock Falls is the perfect place to see the park’s grizzly bears. Bears are especially active when they come out of hibernation in spring. Since the falls are powered by melting snow, they’re also at their peak in the spring.

5. Crow Creek Falls

Crow Creek Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Montana for camping. There are various campgrounds available along the way to the falls in Helena National Forest in Radersburg, Montana, which is popular both with residents and tourists. Getting to Crow Creek Falls is a three-mile hike, and it offers great views of the Crow Creek valley and the Elkhorn Mountains. The waterfall itself is pretty cool, with a big pool for swimming and fishing. You can even climb up and look at the pools above the waterfall.

6. Baring Falls

Baring Falls is another glacial waterfall in Montana worth seeing. There is a drop of approximately 40 feet at these falls, and you may see water otters diving into the water for food. A designated trail leads from the bottom of the falls to the top, as well as behind them. There are, however, a number of rocks that are slick, so be cautious.

7. Apikuni Falls

Apikuni Falls cascade and free-fall over a variety of ledges and rocks. It is a narrow but large waterfall in Montana. To reach it, walk the Appekunny Creek Trail, a short but steep trail that runs about half a mile each way. During the spring melt in Glacier National Park, this waterfall is quite popular with visitors. The waterfall can also be viewed from the parking lot if you do not want to hike down the trail. It is, however, necessary to arrive early to avoid the crowds at the trailhead, as parking is limited.

8. Ptarmigan Falls

Another must-see in Glacier National Park is Ptarmigan Falls, located behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. While the steep terrain around the waterfall prevents you from getting too close to it, you can still catch a glimpse of it from various viewing locations. A few miles down the path, you can see most of the drop from a vantage point that’s approximately two and a half miles down. However, it is well known that bears visit the region, as well as many of the park’s glacier waterfalls, especially in the spring – so be careful! 

9. Ousel Falls 

Gallatin Gateway, Montana, offers visitors a stunning waterfall, picnic area, and swimming pool at Ousel Falls. Hikers have access to four different routes to reach the waterfalls from the waterfall path, which is about one mile long. From the road on the far right, you may get an excellent view of the cascade and the surrounding scenery from the South Fork Overlook.

10. Holland Falls 

A visit to Holland Falls and Holland Lake will give you a chance to stroll amid majestic larch, pine, and fir trees dotted throughout the region. This waterfall is a sight to see any time of the year, but the lake into which it pours, Holland Lake, further enhances its splendor. The waterfall itself is about 50 feet high and impressive to behold.

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