Bucket List Worthy Waterfalls in Western Montana’s Rocky Mountains
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They say, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls,” but clearly, TLC didn’t go hiking in Western Montana.
Because chasing waterfalls isn’t just allowed—it’s recommended.
Some waterfalls roar down canyon walls, surrounded by insane views, while others are tucked into green forests like nature’s little secret.
Many other lists will just give you all the waterfalls in Glacier National Park, but we’ve separated our list into ones inside and ones outside the park.
So, no matter where you’re travelling in Western Montana, there’s a bucket list-worthy waterfall that will blow your mind.
What to Pack for Hiking in Montana
Montana weather loves surprises—sunny one minute, hail the next. Here are the must-have items we never hit the trail without:
A rain jacket – Afternoon thunderstorms are basically a guarantee. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is lightweight, packable, and actually waterproof.
Actual hiking boots or trail runners – Hiking boots are awesome for support and waterproofing, but we love the lightweight breathability of trail runners on long hikes. Whatever you do, just PLEASE don’t wear regular sneakers—your feet will hate you.
Hiking pants (NOT jeans) – Montana trails are full of scree, mud, and surprise rain. Hiking pants are durable, quick‑drying, and far better than denim (looking at you, Texans).
Layers, layers, layers – Temps swing fast at high elevation. Pair a breathable Capilene® Cool Daily Shirt with a warm Nano Puff Jacket and you’ll have everything you need.
Trekking poles – Save your knees on steep climbs and give yourself extra balance on rocky sections. These ones from REI are super durable, lightweight, and WAY better than that crap on Amazon.
Plenty of water – Dehydration sneaks up quickly at high altitude. We love our Osprey Daylite Pack. It’s perfect size to fit a couple layers, and everything you need for a day on trail
Snacks with actual calories – Trail mix, jerky, or bars—don’t underestimate how much energy hiking at 10,000 ft burns.
Sun protection – A hat + sunglasses + high‑SPF sunscreen will keep you protected.
Navigation tools – Download offline maps with AllTrails or carry a GPS device like the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
First aid kit – Even a small one saves the day for blisters, scrapes, or altitude headaches.
Montana hikes are incredible—but only if you’re prepared. Trust us, a good rain jacket (and pants that aren’t denim) have saved us more times than we can count!
Waterfalls NOT in Glacier National Park
For waterfalls outside of Glacier National Park, we are biased towards waterfalls within a day trip from Missoula (because that’s where we are based).
We’ve personally been to a lot of these waterfalls, so our recommendation is 100% real.
But I haven’t been to every waterfall in Western Montana (YET), so some are from my own to-do list that I’m planning on visiting ASAP.
Morrell Falls
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 436 ft.
Difficulty: moderately easy
Closest town: Seeley Lake
Bathroom at trailhead? Yes
Phone service? No
The Morrell Falls hike is such a great destination that it’s earned a spot on the National Recreation Trail registry.
It’s located near Seeley Lake, which is one of our favorite small-town summer destinations in Montana.
At 5.5 miles and only 436 feet of elevation gain, the Morrell Falls trail is relatively flat, making it an easier hike through the woods.
The falls are a 90-foot double waterfall that pours into a rocky basin surrounded by Montana’s famous rainbow rock (see in the photo above).
If you’re taking a day trip to these falls, we recommend stopping at Gus the Larch tree (the largest larch in the world) and for lunch at the local Mexican food joint, Casa Caro.
Holland Lake & Falls
Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 495 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Closest Town: Seeley Lake
Bathroom at trailhead? Yes
Phone service? No
The Holland Lake and Falls trail packs a lot of WOW into only 3.1 miles. It starts with a mostly flat section along Holland Lake, which has stunningly bright blue, crystal clear water.
Then the trail slowly climbs and opens up to the most amazing view of the Mission Mountains and Swan Valley.
And then you’ll find Holland Falls tucked into the rocky cliff face. The falls drop about 50 feet and were roaring during our spring hike.
Between the insane views, the beautiful lake, and the amazing falls, this trail showcases all the mountains have to offer.
P.S. – This trail also made our list of our favorite hikes near Missoula because it’s one of the best hikes in the entire western Montana region.
Sweathouse Falls
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,502 feet
Difficulty: moderately difficult
Closest Town: Victor
Bathroom at trailhead? No
Phone service? Limited
Sweathouse Falls is one of the best hidden gems in the Bitterroot Valley, and I hike it every spring.
The trail follows the creek through a quiet canyon lined with pine trees and wildflowers.
It’s a steady incline to the base of the falls, which flow over a rocky ledge and cascade into a deep, clear pool.
There’s another sizeable waterfall about 0.25 miles past Sweathouse, so don’t just turn around at the first waterfall.
Pro tip: When I hiked this trail in April, there was also a stunning patch of glacier lilies just past the second waterfall.
Bear Creek Falls
Distance: 4 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 680 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Closest Town: Victor
Bathroom at trailhead? Yes
Phone service? No
Bear Creek Trail was a recent discovery of ours—we’ve done nearby Bear Creek Overlook (which is an AWESOME hike) but hadn’t hiked up the valley below before.
So imagine our surprise when we found this beautiful waterfall that isn’t even marked on the map.
It’s about 2 miles from the trailhead. And just past this point, the valley opens up into a view of the mountains beyond.
This is a great trail for being one with nature, with zero crowds.
Natural Bridge Falls
Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 65 feet
Difficulty: easy
Closest Town: Livingston
Natural Bridge Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in Montana (it’s only 0.7 miles round-trip) AND it’s one of the most unique.
In the early spring season, the high water will crash over the top of the falls. But most of the year, the falls flow directly out of the limestone rock face.
It’s a great place for a quick walk, a picnic, or just an afternoon watching the falls.
Crow Creek Falls
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,135 feet
Difficulty: moderately difficult
Closest Town: Helena
Crow Creek Falls is the best waterfall near Helena by a long shot.
The trail is about 5.5 miles round-trip and is on the more difficult side of moderate with about 1,100 feet in elevation gain.
It’s enough of a hike that you should bring all the hiking essentials in your daypack, but not too long that it would prevent most people from being able to complete it.
Crow Creek Falls cascades through a narrow canyon before falling 40 feet into a large rocky pool below, making it a dramatic and scenic spot.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a while, dip your feet in, and enjoy the sound of rushing water in the forest.
Palisade Falls
Distance: 1.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 249 feet
Difficulty: moderately easy
Closest Town: Livingston
Palisade Falls is the epitome of a short and sweet waterfall hike.
Located near Livingston, this paved trail is only 1.2 miles round-trip, making it perfect for almost all ages and skill levels.
The trail ends at a tall, narrow 80-foot waterfall that spills down a wall of volcanic rock.
Woodbine Falls
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 291 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Closest Town: Columbus
The hike to Woodbine Falls is a great mix of short distance and big scenery. The trail is about 1.4 miles round-trip and climbs gently through forest and open hillsides.
Woodbine Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, cascading nearly 280 feet down a rocky cliff face.
The trail is well-maintained, and the viewing area is set up nicely, so it’s a great option for families and casual hikers.
Ousel Falls
Distance: 1.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 242 feet
Difficulty: easy
Closest Town: Big Sky
Big Sky is one of our favorite areas in the state, and the hike to Ousel Falls is one of the most popular trails.
At only 1.7 miles round-trip, you’ll see forest views, hear river sounds, and visit a stunning waterfall in a short and easy hike.
There are several viewpoints for the waterfall, but our favorite is the one right at the base where the cool mist embodies the feeling of being in the mountains.
Plus, there’sTONS to do in the Big Sky area, so this is a great part of Montana to visit.
Waterfalls in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is home to some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes and waterfalls in the entire country.
Fed by snowmelt, these waterfalls are wilder, louder, and can sometimes be tucked farther into the backcountry.
Unlike the quieter trails outside of the park, Glacier’s waterfall hikes will come with crowds.
But between the insane waterfalls, glacial lakes, and high alpine meadows, we think it’s worth the trade-off.
Grinnell Falls
Distance: 6.4-11 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 736-1,856 feet
Difficulty: difficult
Bathroom at trailhead? Yes
Phone service? No
We finally got to hike Grinnell Glacier last summer after waiting four years—more on that story another time.
Sometimes when you build up that hype for something, it falls short of expectations. But Grinnell did the opposite—it was even better in real life.
At about 3.2 miles on the 11-mile trail, you’ll come to this overlook (see photo above). Pictures don’t do it justice, but on the right side, you can see part of the Grinnell Waterfall.
It cascades down in stages, dropping about 960 total feet between the two lakes.
Even from a ways away, you can hear the roaring falls from far away. And YES, the lake really is that shade of blue.
Avalanche Lake Falls
Distance: 5.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 757 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Bathroom at trailhead? Yes
Phone service? No
Avalanche Lake is probably the most popular hiking trail in all of Montana, and it’s a personal favorite of ours.
And it’s easy to see why.
The 5.9-mile trail starts on Trail of the Cedars and splits off at a stunning, bright blue cascading waterfall.
You’ll pass old-growth cedar forest, moss-covered boulders, and steep canyon walls.
Once you reach Avalanche Lake, you’ll be spoiled with three waterfalls spilling down Bearhat Mountain.
These waterfalls are generally seasonal because they are fed by melting snow and glaciers high above them. So visit in spring or early summer to see them at their best.
It’s a picture-perfect spot in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
For a full trail write-up, see our guide to hiking Avalanche Lake.
Birdwoman Falls
Birdwoman Falls is the one waterfall on this list that isn’t hikeable. It’s just so epic that we HAD to include it on this list.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to hike to see it.
There’s a pull-off along Going to the Sun Road, the main road that winds through the park (here’s a link to Google Maps).
From there, you can see Glacier’s most iconic waterfall AND one of the most insane views in the park.
Birdwoman Falls drops 560 feet from the vertical cliffs beneath Mount Oberlin and flows into the river valley far below.
It’s a reminder of how vertical the mountains in Glacier are—and that sometimes the best sights don’t require a long hike.
Virginia Falls
Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 452 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Bathroom at trailhead? Yes
Phone service? Limited
Virginia Falls is practically the opposite of Birdwoman Falls because it’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in Glacier National Park.
It’s a gentle hike with steady elevation gain, and you’ll pass the smaller but still lovely St. Mary Falls.
Then, after another mile, you’ll reach Virginia Falls. It drops about50 feet into a misty basin below.
With its layered falls, mountain views, and manageable distance, this trail is a great pick for families or anyone looking for a classic Glacier hike with a big payoff.
Running Eagle Falls
Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 29 feet
Difficulty: easy
Just like Natural Bridge Falls above, Running Eagle Falls is a SUPER unique waterfall.
During spring runoff, the water flows over the top of the cliff. But the rest of the year, the upper flow dries up, and the water appears to gush straight off the rock.
The trail is located in the Two Medicine area of the park, which is way less crowded than other parts.
As a bonus, signs along the hike highlight the cultural significance of the area to the local Indigenous people, the Blackfeet Nation.
It’s a peaceful place with a lot of meaning.
No Hiking Required
Not every waterfall in Montana requires a long hike. In fact, a couple of the most impressive ones are just steps from the road.
Skalkaho Falls and Kootenai Falls offer big scenery with little to no effort. Whether you’re on a road trip or just looking for an easy stop with a great view, these roadside waterfalls are well worth the visit.
Kootenai Falls
Kootenai Falls is one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Montana—and you can reach it with zero hiking.
Located just off Highway 2 near Libby, the falls are a short walk from the parking area, with a paved path that leads to viewing platforms and a footbridge over the Kootenai River.
The falls stretch wide and thunder across massive rock shelves, especially in spring and early summer. There’s no single drop—just a powerful series of cascades that fill the air with mist and the deep rumble of rushing water.
It’s a dramatic spot with great photo ops, and you can get surprisingly close to the action.
Skalkaho Falls
Skalkaho Falls is a roadside waterfall tucked into the Sapphire Mountains between Hamilton and Philipsburg.
You’ll find it right off Skalkaho Pass Road (MT-38), a seasonal mountain road that winds through forests and high alpine terrain.
The falls drop about 150 feet over a rocky cliff and are visible directly from the pullout—no hiking required.
The drive alone is worth the trip, especially in summer and early fall when the road is open and the views are clear.
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