Stunning Waterfalls Worth Visiting in the Rocky Mountains of Western Montana
Exploring Western Montana's Hidden Waterfall Gems
While Glacier National Park is famed for its awe-inspiring waterfalls, Western Montana offers a plethora of lesser-known, yet equally enchanting, cascades. Here are some captivating waterfalls that you might want to explore:
- Skalkaho Falls
Tucked away in the Sapphire Mountains, Skalkaho Falls is a roadside waterfall that can be seen directly from the pullout on Skalkaho Pass Road (MT-38). This 150-foot waterfall drops over a rocky cliff, offering a breathtaking view without the need for hiking.
- Kootenai Falls
Located just off Highway 2 near Libby, Kootenai Falls is a popular destination. This large waterfall stretches wide and thunderous across massive rock shelves, especially in spring and early summer. A short walk from the parking area, a paved path, and viewing platforms make Kootenai Falls an easily accessible spot for photography and hiking.
- Avalanche Lake
Avalanche Lake, probably the most popular hiking trail in all of Montana, features three waterfalls spilling down Bearhat Mountain. This personal favourite hiking trail culminates in a stunning, bright blue cascading waterfall at the trail's start, before splitting off to reveal the lake and its surrounding waterfalls.
- Palisade Falls
Near Livingston, Palisade Falls is a moderately easy 1.1-mile hike with 249 feet of elevation gain. The trail leads to an 80-foot waterfall that spills down a wall of volcanic rock. The favourite viewpoint of the waterfall is at its base, where the cool mist embodies a mountain feeling.
- Natural Bridge Falls
An easy 0.7-mile hike with 65 feet of elevation gain, Natural Bridge Falls features a unique waterfall that flows directly out of the limestone rock face.
- Holland Lake & Falls
Located in the Seeley-Swan Valley, Holland Falls is accessible via a moderate 3.1-mile hike with 495 feet of elevation gain. The trail offers views of Holland Lake, Mission Mountains, and Swan Valley, and ends at Holland Falls.
- Morrell Falls
Morrell Falls, a 90-foot double waterfall, is located near Seeley Lake and can be reached via a moderately easy 5.5-mile hike with 436 feet of elevation gain.
- Bear Creek Falls
Bear Creek Falls is a moderate 4-mile hike with 680 feet of elevation gain, featuring a waterfall that isn't marked on the map.
- Grinnell Waterfall
Grinnell Waterfall cascades down in stages and is visible from an overlook on the 11-mile trail to Grinnell Glacier.
- Birdwoman Falls
Birdwoman Falls drops 560 feet from the vertical cliffs beneath Mount Oberlin and is visible from a pull-off along Going to the Sun Road.
- Virginia Falls
A moderate 3.1-mile hike with an elevation gain of 452 feet, Virginia Falls features a waterfall that drops about 50 feet into a misty basin below.
- Sprague Creek Falls
Located near the town of Bigfork, Sprague Creek Falls offers a serene hiking experience. However, specific details about the hike might not be widely documented, so it's best to check local guides.
- Ross Creek Cedars and Falls
Although not as well-known for its waterfalls, Ross Creek Cedars near Troy offers a beautiful forest hike with a smaller waterfall along the way.
These waterfalls provide excellent alternatives for those looking to explore beyond Glacier National Park's boundaries in Western Montana. For more detailed information, local guides or park service websites might offer additional insights.
- Embarking on a hike at Avalanche Lake in Montana, you'll encounter not just one, but three captivating waterfalls that spill down Bearhat Mountain.
- If you're a fan of home-and-garden lifestyle that involves camping, don't forget to pitch your tents near Holland Lake in the Seeley-Swan Valley, where you'll find Holland Falls at the end of a moderate trail.
- For sports enthusiasts seeking challenges, the moderately easy 5.5-mile hike to Morrell Falls near Seeley Lake presents a chance to experience a 90-foot double waterfall.
- The lifestyle of the spontaneous traveler may lead them to Bear Creek Falls, a less famous waterfall that can be discovered on a moderately challenging 4-mile hike.
- As you journey through Western Montana's national parks, don't miss the opportunity to explore the unique beauty of Natural Bridge Falls, where water flows directly out of a limestone rock face.
