Montana is the 4th largest state in the United States. A true adventure lover can find all types of outdoor activities in this “Big Sky County” state. The diverse landscape is adorned beautifully with so many natural gems. To be more clear and loud, Montana holds all the natural wonders that an adventure lover could think of. From glorious mountains to crystal clear lakes, from UNESCO World Heritage site approved parks to rich museums, all make Montana a real holiday destination among many travelers throughout the world!
There are numerous waterfalls in Montana spreading across the state that are very popular for waterfall hikes. These awe-inspiring natural wonders are mostly unnamed. From large to small, from cascades to single drop waterfalls, all you could avail in this mountain state. Moreover, most of these Montana waterfalls are found in and around the Rocky Mountain region, and some others are sitting in Glacier National Parks.
So, read on to check out our list of some of the best waterfalls in Montana that are good for hiking and also family-friendly. Your visit to these majestic waterfalls will surely fulfil all your outdoor exploration desires and will give you something new in the travel journey.
1. Kootenai Falls
Being the tallest waterfall in Montana, the picturesque Kootenai Falls is sitting on the northwest of the state. The Kootenai River is located on the east of the Idaho Panhandle and the waterfall drops over 300 feet height being separated from the river.
Well-regarded as one of the largest waterfalls in Montana, this vibrant waterfall was selected as the location for the Oscar-winning film “The Revenant”.
Moreover, the waterfall is sacred to the local Kootenai tribe. The land is also very rich with wildlife. Several birds, moose, mule deer, black bear and many other wild animals make this place their safe home.
A bridge near the falls crosses Kootenai River and from there you could get the stunning views of the entire terrain.
2. Virginia Falls and St. Mary’s Falls
Virginia Falls and St. Mary’s Falls are two beautiful waterfalls in Montana that are located in close proximity to each other. There would be roughly any visitor who will visit the one and miss the other waterfall. Located in Glacier National Park, no one should miss these 50-foot majestic waterfalls while visiting the park. The total hike is around 2.5 miles.
In your hike, you will also find two other unnamed waterfalls. These two are also very pretty and portray the park more fascinating!
In the journey, the first waterfall you will come across St. Mary’s Falls with its two-tiering flows. It’s also viewable from a bridge across Virginia Creek. While moving ahead, you will get to see the more powerful Virginia Falls.
The surrounding land is adorned with picturesque mountains, lush vegetation and vibrant energy of these natural wonders. A true adventure lover will never miss this hike.
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3. Florence Falls
Florence Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Montana. The location is in Glacier National Park. The hike to the waterfall is a little bit difficult but after completing the trail, you will be rewarded with this pretty looking Florence Falls along with the wonderful surrounding.
The forested area is good for photography. The nearby Mirror Pond is a popular spot among photographers, if you fall into this category, don’t miss this spot.
While covering the trail, you will pass Deadwood Falls, a smaller falls. And the trail leads to almost 700 feet down and the only way to get back is through a small trail.
There are some campsites nearby. Visitors who want to spend more time in this beautiful terrain, they might opt for this facility.
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4. Crow Creek Falls
One of the most majestic waterfalls in Montana happens to be Crow Creek Falls. Located in Helena National Forest near Radersburg, Crow Creek Falls is most popular for giving access to amazing camping experiences. The waterfall bounces around boulders from 50-foot.
Both locals and tourists make this waterfall their commonly visited destination whenever they want to get relief from their hectic daily life.
The waterfall looks mesmerising and it spills into a large and clear pool that makes it a perfect spot for fishing and swimming. You will be more pleased after knowing that this waterfall hike gives access to some other nice pools which can be easily accessible by any explorer.
The distance is about 3-miles to reach Crow Creek Falls. The trail gives nice views of the Crow Creek Valley and Elkhorn Mountains. The trail covers several campsites. If you are seeking for a great camping experience, Crow Creek Falls is going to fulfil your urge!
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5. Redrock Falls
Redrock Falls is also located in Glacier National Park. The waterfall is best known for providing incredible views of wildlife from close distance.
The hike starts from Swiftcurrent Pass, located at Mary Glacier. Visitors need to cover only two miles long safe hiking trail. Because of this easy accessibility along with the stunning views of the majestic cascading waterfall, Redrock Falls is one of the most family-friendly waterfalls in Montana.
The best time to visit the Redrock Waterfall is during spring when snow starts melting and the waterfall reaches to its fullest power. Plus, this is the time when you could see the park’s most popular grizzly bears.
An addition, you can get the views of several fine lakes.
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6. Apikuni Falls
With the majestic height of 150-foot, another impressive waterfall in Montana is Apikuni Falls. Apikuni Falls is making Glacier National Park more alluring among travelers being located inside this excellent park. The waterfall cascades over multiple ledges and rocks.
The hike to the waterfall is little uphill. During spring when snow starts melting, people get bewildered by the multiple powerful tiers and cascades. The trail gives many impressive views across Glacier Valley. And once you complete the hike, you will find yourself above 5,000 feet of sea level.
If you don’t want to hike, the parking lot is also popular for offering a decent outlook. And aspiring hikers need to cover the Appekunny Creek Trail which is about 0.5 miles long. Furthermore, some smaller falls and cascades are spread around the area.
Try to reach early there to access the limited parking space and to avoid crowd.
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7. Baring Falls
Easy to access via Piegan Pass Trail which is near the East Glacier Park Village, Baring Falls is another worth visiting waterfall located in Glacier National Park. An easy 2-mile round-trip makes this waterfall trail super exciting among various age groups including elderly people.
The single drop waterfall spills from 25-feet and it’s flowed into St. Mary’s Lake. For its well-maintained, short and easy hiking trails, the waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Montana, and you must make Baring Falls your next day-trip destination if you are to be close with nature.
You could choose any among the many paths along the waterfall that gives unique perspectives and exploration opportunity of both the upper and lower surroundings. From parking area, it’s about 6-mile roundtrip. Must wear proper shoes and be careful as the rocks are slippery. Along the walk, there are several spots where you can stop and rest.
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8. Ousel Falls
The 50-foot-tall Ousel Falls offers four different hiking trails in Gallatin County. Because of its easy accessibility, this is one of the best family-friendly waterfall hikes. The name Ousel has been named after the bird, that’s often seen along the Gallatin River.
The hiking trail is only 1.6 miles and it starts from Ousel Falls Road of Highway 191. The trail along the river leads over three bridges to the waterfall. The straight path leads to the basin of the waterfall. Hare visitors love to enjoy a mini-picnic, though the entire terrain includes scenic views along with cool and shaded path. At the basin, there’s a swimming pool awaits for the hikers.
Each trail offers different views of the stunning Ousel Falls. Visitors could observe the waterfall from the side, front and from above. The year-round open trails are best in each season and visitors must explore all four trails to experience the different perspectives of Ousel Falls.
Among all the trails, the far-right fork provides the best viewing point by way of ‘South Fork Overlook’.
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9. Ptarmigan Falls
This Glacier National Park waterfall is not like the other waterfalls. Visitors can’t get close and personal with Ptarmigan Falls because of the steep terrain. But don’t you need to be upset! Despite staying away from the waterfall, you can get nice views of the area. The natural wonder is located behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.
To get the most of Ptarmigan Falls’ stunning views, move 2.5-miles down. And here you are. This spot is a favourite point among photographers.
Above the falls, there’s a nice picnic area. If visitors are willing to spend some time in this beautiful land, also be careful about bears as they are common here specially in spring time. Also, you can’t get proper views of the waterfall from this point.
10. Running Eagle Falls
Running Eagle Falls is located in East Glacier Park Village, Montana. The waterfall is notable for flowing in the opposite direction. And the name of this waterfall has been given for a female Blackfeet warrior. While not the tallest or the prettiest, this waterfall attracts each visitor for its easy accessibility and unique looking water flowing.
The water quality is crystal clear and very gorgeous, but the temperature is freezing cold.
In spring time, there’s a 40-foot plunge of the waterfall and it creates a smaller cascade below. This is why Running Eagle Falls is also known as Trick Falls.
The Running Eagle Waterfall is accessible to everyone. Wheelchair is also available on the trail. Along the trail, there are several points that give amazing views of the waterfall, and the hike runs through a well-maintained trail that crosses over the creek. And the creek is very close to the waterfall.
This unique waterfall is worth watching at least once. So, don’t miss this pretty Montana waterfall when you’re exploring the majestic waterfalls in Montana.
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FAQs
1. How many waterfalls are in Montana?
There are more than 120 known and popular waterfalls in Montana. Still, there are some hidden waterfalls in Montana.
2. What are the best Montana waterfalls?
Montana is home to more than 20 beautiful and very popular waterfalls. But the top 5 and best Montana waterfalls are Bird Woman Falls, the 560 feet waterfall, located in Glacier National Park, Montana; Mystic Falls, the 70-foot cascading waterfall, on the Little Firehole River; Yellowstone Falls, two large waterfalls on the Yellowstone River, in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; Union Falls, a fan-type waterfall on Mountain Ash Creek, in Yellowstone National Park, in Wyoming; and Rainbow Falls, located on the Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana.
3. How long is the Kootenai Falls hike?
The Kootenai Falls hike is an easy 0.8-mile round trip. The trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Montana. The Kootenai Falls Trail takes the visitors to the down of 90 feet where they can see the majestic Kootenai Falls.
4. Where is the Kootenai Falls?
Kootenai Falls in located in Lincoln County, in northwestern Montana. This beautiful waterfall is just 7 miles from Libby. Visitors who are approaching the day trip to Kootenai Falls from Libby, they need to take Montana Highway 37 north.
5. How tall is Kootenai Falls?
Kootenai Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in northwestern Montana, and the waterfall is 30 feet in height. Visitors could enjoy the rushing water from the swinging bridge that crosses the river, if they don’t want to hike the waterfall. The bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions.
6. Where is the Kootenai River?
Kootenai River is the tributary of the Columbia River, the largest North American River. Kootenai River is also a major river, and is stretched around many states. The river is in the Northwest Plateau in southeastern British Columbia, Canada, and northern Montana and Idaho in the United States.
7. What movie was filmed at Kootenai Falls?
Not one but two movies were filmed at Kootenai Fall. The first movie is The River Wild (1994), and the second film is The Revenant (2015). In The River Wild, the swinging bridge was also featured.
8. Can you swim in Kootenai Falls?
Kootenai Falls trail offers amazing swimming opportunities. There is a designated beach area, you will see after crossing the bridge, where you could enjoy safe and refreshing swimming. Or, you could also enjoy swimming in the natural pool and in front of Kootenai Falls after completing the connecting trail.
9. Is Kootenai Falls dog friendly?
Yes, Kootenai Falls trail is dog friendly, so, you could take your furry friend to complete the Swinging Bridge Trail together.
10. Where are the Kootenai Mountains?
The Kootenai Mountains is close to the Rocky Mountains, in northwest Montana.
11. How much does it cost to go to Kootenai Falls swinging bridge?
Visitors need not to pay any charges as there is no entry fee. Must complete the Swinging Bridge Trail. The bridge is one of the biggest attractions and top tourist spots in Montana. The best thing is the bridge is only half mile from the parking area. Moreover, the trail is easy to complete, with sometimes rocky and steep route.
