If you’re on the hunt for waterfalls, you’ll want to visit Montana. This state is full of amazing waterfalls – there are over 200 waterfalls in Glacier National Park alone! But don’t worry, not all of these incredible waterfalls are in Glacier. We’ve pulled together 10 of the top waterfalls from all over Montana for you to check out.
Waterfalls in Montana
1. Virginia Falls and St Mary Falls
2. Bird Woman Falls
3. Kootenai Falls
4. Ousel Falls
5. Palisade Falls
6. Baring falls
7. Weeping Wall
8. Grotto Falls
9. Holland Falls
10. Running Eagle Falls
Montana Waterfalls
Here are 10 incredible waterfalls to visit the next time you’re in Montana.
1. Virginia Falls and St. Mary Falls
Glacier National Park is known for its amazing waterfalls, and the St. Mary Area Waterfall Hike will take you past multiple waterfalls. Aside from several smaller falls, this hike also includes the impressive Virginia Falls and St. Mary Falls. It’s a short but popular hike and you can take the shuttle bus to the St. Mary Falls stop. From there it’s 3.8 miles round trip to see both of the waterfalls. St Mary Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall that is around 35 feet high and Virginia Falls is 50 feet high with beautiful blue water.
Things to do near Virginia Falls and St. Mary Falls: You’re in the St. Mary Lake area of Glacier National Park. Take a look at our guide to the park to help plan your trip and find the best things to do. We also have great local RV rentals if you need a way to get there!
2. Bird Woman Falls
Another amazing waterfall in Glacier National Park is Bird Woman Falls. This impressive waterfall is 492 feet tall and can be seen from up to two miles away! It’s visible from Going-to-the-Sun Road and there are several pull offs where you can park your car to take photos of the falls. The best time to see this waterfall is in late spring and early summer, as it’s fed by snowmelt and the water level lessens in late summer and fall.
Things to do near Bird Woman Falls: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road and explore Glacier National Park! Here’s a link to our park guide and some great local RV rentals if you’re looking for an RV.
3. Kootenai Falls
The best waterfalls aren’t all in Glacier! Kootenai Falls is just outside Libby, Montana and near the popular Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge. This waterfall is the largest undammed waterfall in the state and can be easily accessed by a hiking trail from the parking area of U.S. Route 2. While Kootenai Falls has appeared in several movies, it is also a sacred site to the local Kootenai Tribe. And although this waterfall isn’t as iconic as a tall plunge or horsetail, the wide and powerful falls are incredibly impressive!
Things to do near Kootenai Falls: Check out the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge which is just downstream from the falls. Kalispell is just over 100 miles away, and the west entrance to Glacier National Park is about 130 miles east.
4. Ousel Falls
Another great waterfall that isn’t in Glacier National Park is Ousel Falls. Located outside of Big Sky, this waterfall can be seen by taking the well maintained Ousel Falls Park Trail. There are several places along the trail where you can enjoy views of the falls, including an overlook, the base of the falls, and the top of the falls. There are also picnic tables set up so it’s a great place to enjoy a snack or lunch.
Things to do near Ousel Falls: There’s plenty to do in this area! Gallatin Peak is right there for excellent hiking. Bozeman is just to the north and Yellowstone National Park is only a few miles to the south. We have a guide to Yellowstone National Park to help you plan your trip.
5. Palisade Falls
Palisade Falls is an 80-foot cataract waterfall was created from a prehistoric lava flow. It’s just outside Bozeman in the Hyalite Recreation Area. The hike is great for the entire family and the trail is mostly paved making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. It’s even dog friendly as long as they’re on a leash. The hike to the waterfall is just over a mile round trip and there are picnic tables at the trailhead, making this a great day trip.
Things to do near Palisade Falls: This waterfall is only 20 miles from Bozeman. You’re also close to Ousel Falls, and Yellowstone National Park is about 100 miles to the south. Take advantage of the amazing hiking, skiing, and mountain biking in the area.
6. Baring Falls
Another great waterfall inside Glacier National Park is Baring Falls. This waterfall is 25 feet tall and is located in the Sunrift Gorge area of Glacier. The trailhead is off of Going-to-the-Sun Road and it’s less than a mile hike to see the falls. After you enjoy the falls you can turn around and head back, or continue on the trail after the falls to link up with the trail to St. Mary Falls. The short but picturesque waterfall plunges over a rock face and splashes into Baring Creek, which continues to flow to St. Mary Lake. If you’re in this area of Glacier, Baring Falls is worth a visit!
Things to do near Baring falls: St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls are both nearby, so be sure to visit them as well. And take your time driving down Going-to-the-Sun Road, as there’s amazing hiking, views, and waterfalls nearby! Need ideas of what to do at the national park? Check out our guide to Glacier, as well as these great RV rentals.
7. The Weeping Wall
How about a waterfall you can drive under? The Weeping Wall is located right along Going-to-the-Sun Road, 3 miles west of Logan Pass in Glacier National Park. This unique water feature was created during the construction of the road, and it’s become a favorite of visitors. Depending on the time of year, the water from snow run off coming through the rock wall creates gushing waterfalls over 100 feet long that splash right onto the road! During the drier season these shrink to a light trickle, so the best time to see the falls is spring and early summer.
Things to do near the Weeping Wall: Like many of the other amazing waterfalls in Glacier, it’s very easy to add this to your trip. As you continue down Going-to-the-Sun Road keep an eye out for number two on our list, Bird Woman Falls. And be sure to enjoy the rest of the amazing activities and scenery that Glacier National Park has to offer!
8. Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is another scenic waterfall that can be reached by an easy hike. Also located outside of Bozeman in the beautiful Hyalite Canyon, this trail is only 2.4 miles round trip and is even wheelchair and stroller friendly so it’s great for the whole family! It’s an incredibly pretty waterfall that cascades over a rock face, and there are log benches along the trail if you want to stop and soak in the scenery. It’s a popular destination since it’s such an easy hike, and it should definitely be added to your list if you’re in the area!
Things to do near Grotto Falls: Bozeman is just over 20 miles away. There are several other great waterfalls to visit near Bozeman like Palisade Falls and Ousel Falls. And Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are an easy drive away.
9. Holland Falls
Looking for a hike that includes a lake and a waterfall? Then check out Holland Falls. This cascading waterfall can be seen at the end of the 3-mile out and back trail that skirts the shoreline of Holland Lake. You’ll have plenty of amazing views of the lake as you hike the trail that climbs up to the falls. It’s popular with locals and visitors, so come early or during the week to miss the crowds.
Things to do near Holland Falls: Once you’re done with the hike, enjoy Holland Lake! Swimming, fishing, and boating are all popular summer activities. You’re also near Glacier National Park. Check out our guide to the park to help plan your trip. Need an RV to get there? We’ve got you covered with great local RV rentals.
10. Running Eagle Falls
We’re heading back to Glacier National Park for our last waterfall. Running Eagle Falls is located in the Two Medicine area of Glacier and is named for a female Blackfeet warrior. It’s also called “Trick Falls” as it’s actually two waterfalls on top of each other. When the water is high and flowing fast, the upper falls covers the lower falls completely and just looks like one 40-foot waterfall. But when the water levels drop, the top falls dries up and you can see the 20-foot lower falls which are created by the water flowing through a sinkhole and coming out an opening in the cliff. It’s an easy hike to the falls and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Things to do near Running Eagle Falls: This waterfall is located in east Glacier National Park. You can head over to Two Medicine Lake for amazing scenery and a boat tour. Need ideas on what to see? Visit our guide to the national park! And we’ve got a great selection of RV rentals to get you there.
Planning an RV Trip to Montana
Montana is already an amazing place to RV, and seeing these waterfalls is just a bonus! Looking to visit this state? We’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Montana, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals.
