Admire Spectacular Waterfalls in Western Montana's Rocky Mountain Region – Top Picks for Your Bucket List!
Western Montana is a treasure trove for nature lovers, offering an abundance of scenic waterfalls that cater to various skill levels. While Glacier National Park is undoubtedly a popular destination, there are numerous waterfall hikes worth exploring in areas surrounding the park.
Waterfall Hikes Near Missoula
Missoula and its surroundings boast several picturesque waterfall hikes that make for ideal summer day trips.
Morrell Falls
The Morrell Falls hike is a National Recreation Trail, leading to a 90-foot double waterfall. This easy and popular trail is suitable for families and offers a great opportunity for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Holland Lake and Falls
The Holland Lake and Falls trail, located near Missoula, is moderately difficult and provides scenic hikes with waterfalls and lake views. This trail is ideal for those seeking an accessible adventure.
Waterfall Hikes Near Glacier National Park
While not inside Glacier National Park, there are several spectacular waterfall hikes just outside its boundaries that are worth exploring.
St. Mary Falls
St. Mary Falls is a powerful waterfall accessible via a mostly exposed but moderate trail. This hike is often combined with visits to Baring Falls and other nearby cascades for a multi-waterfall day hike.
Baring Falls
The Baring Falls hike is a short, family-friendly, and easy hike under a mile long, featuring a beautiful waterfall. This hike is suitable for nearly all skill levels.
Running Eagle Falls (Trick Falls)
In the Two Medicine area, you'll find Running Eagle Falls, a unique waterfall where the water appears to gush straight off the rock during most of the year. This exceptionally short and easy trail offers a unique two-tiered waterfall experience.
By venturing into these areas around Missoula and nearby wilderness, you can enjoy excellent waterfall hiking options in Western Montana without entering Glacier National Park. Trails like Morrell Falls and Holland Lake near Missoula are particularly recommended for their accessibility and scenic value.
For those seeking more substantial hikes toward waterfalls, consider the St. Mary Falls and Baring Falls loop or route, but note these are technically within or very close to Glacier National Park's edges.
Other notable waterfalls outside Glacier National Park include Skalkaho Falls, a roadside waterfall tucked into the Sapphire Mountains between Hamilton and Philipsburg, and Virginia Falls, which drops about 50 feet into a misty basin below.
In conclusion, Western Montana offers a wealth of waterfall hikes for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking easy day trips or more substantial hikes, there's something for everyone. So, pack your hiking boots and prepare to be amazed by the beauty of Montana's waterfalls!
- Missoula and its surroundings offer numerous picturesque waterfall hikes for summer day trips, such as Morrell Falls and Holland Lake and Falls.
- The Morrell Falls hike, a National Recreation Trail, leads to a 90-foot double waterfall and is suitable for families, making for a memorable outdoor adventure.
- Holland Lake and Falls trail provides scenic hikes with waterfalls and lake views, offering an accessible adventure near Missoula.
- Outside Glacier National Park, St. Mary Falls is a powerful waterfall accessible via a moderate trail and often combined with visits to Baring Falls for a multi-waterfall day hike.
- Running Eagle Falls (Trick Falls), located in the Two Medicine area, is an exceptionally short and easy trail offering a unique two-tiered waterfall experience.
