We’re so lucky to live in this nature lover’s paradise. There are over 200 known waterfalls in Montana, and many of them require only a short or moderate hike to reach. If you love waterfalls and hiking, you’ll want to check out every trail on this list. This is by no means a list of every single waterfall hike in the state, but if you can complete these seven, you’ll be off to an amazing start of the best hikes in Montana.
1. St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail, Glacier National Park
Angelo Kuo / alltrails.com Saint Mary, St Mary, MT 59411, USA
Madeline Simko / alltrails.com You’ll fall in love with Glacier National Park all over again on this easy 3 mile hike. The two waterfalls you’ll see are only part of the beauty in store and is one of the best waterfall hikes in Montana.
2. Grotto Falls Trail, Bozeman
Anna Simpson / alltrails.com Grotto Falls, Montana 59047, USA
Marvin Hessler / alltrails.com Although Grotto Falls isn’t particularly tall, but it makes up for that in water volume. This 2.4 mile trail is pleasant and scenic, and it’s easy enough for families to enjoy making it one the best kid-friendly hikes around Montana.
3. Ousel Falls Trail, Gallatin County
Shawna Cooke / alltrails.com Ousel Falls Road, Ousel Falls Rd, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
Ashtyn Packer / alltrails.com This is another easy, enjoyable waterfall hike near Bozeman. The trail is only about 1.6 miles round-trip, and it’s accessible all year long.
4. Crow Creek Falls Trail, Townsend
Greg Altringer / alltrails.com Crow Creek Falls, Montana 59638, USA
Andrea Walker / alltrails.com This 5.6 mile trail makes for a scenic day hike. The changes in elevation make it moderately challenging in parts, but it’s still considered safe for all skill levels.
5. Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail, Seeley Lake
Daniel Grimm / alltrails.com Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail, Montana, USA
John McDonald / alltrails.com Not only does this 7 mile (round-trip) trail lead to a beautiful waterfall, it also offers some stunning views of the Lolo National Forest. If you love waterfall hikes, this one is a must-see.
6. Kootenai Falls Trail, near Libby
Scott Jensen / alltrails.com Kootenai Falls Trailhead, US-2, Troy, MT 59935, USA
Daniel Mitchell / alltrails.com The walk to Kootenai Falls is only a mile in total. And while the waterfall is certainly impressive, it’s not the only highlight on the trek. You’ll have to cross a swinging bridge with some impressive views to reach it.
7. Rockwell Falls Trail, Glacier National Park
Lauren Pierson / alltrails.com Rockwell Falls, Montana, USA
Justin P. / alltrails.com Glacier National Park has dozens of stunning waterfalls, and the one at the heart of this 6.6 mile trail is impressive. The hike to Rockwell Falls begins from the South Shore Trailhead at Two Medicine Lake, and it includes plenty of picturesque views along the way.
Montana has so many beautiful waterfalls, and not all of them require a hike to reach. These are without a doubt, some of the best waterfall hikes in Montana, but if you can’t see them in person anytime soon, these amazing photos may tide you over.
Angelo Kuo / alltrails.com
Saint Mary, St Mary, MT 59411, USA
Madeline Simko / alltrails.com
You’ll fall in love with Glacier National Park all over again on this easy 3 mile hike. The two waterfalls you’ll see are only part of the beauty in store and is one of the best waterfall hikes in Montana.
Anna Simpson / alltrails.com
Grotto Falls, Montana 59047, USA
Marvin Hessler / alltrails.com
Although Grotto Falls isn’t particularly tall, but it makes up for that in water volume. This 2.4 mile trail is pleasant and scenic, and it’s easy enough for families to enjoy making it one the best kid-friendly hikes around Montana.
Shawna Cooke / alltrails.com
Ousel Falls Road, Ousel Falls Rd, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
Ashtyn Packer / alltrails.com
This is another easy, enjoyable waterfall hike near Bozeman. The trail is only about 1.6 miles round-trip, and it’s accessible all year long.
Greg Altringer / alltrails.com
Crow Creek Falls, Montana 59638, USA
Andrea Walker / alltrails.com
This 5.6 mile trail makes for a scenic day hike. The changes in elevation make it moderately challenging in parts, but it’s still considered safe for all skill levels.
Daniel Grimm / alltrails.com
Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail, Montana, USA
John McDonald / alltrails.com
Not only does this 7 mile (round-trip) trail lead to a beautiful waterfall, it also offers some stunning views of the Lolo National Forest. If you love waterfall hikes, this one is a must-see.
Scott Jensen / alltrails.com
Kootenai Falls Trailhead, US-2, Troy, MT 59935, USA
Daniel Mitchell / alltrails.com
The walk to Kootenai Falls is only a mile in total. And while the waterfall is certainly impressive, it’s not the only highlight on the trek. You’ll have to cross a swinging bridge with some impressive views to reach it.
Lauren Pierson / alltrails.com
Rockwell Falls, Montana, USA
Justin P. / alltrails.com
Glacier National Park has dozens of stunning waterfalls, and the one at the heart of this 6.6 mile trail is impressive. The hike to Rockwell Falls begins from the South Shore Trailhead at Two Medicine Lake, and it includes plenty of picturesque views along the way.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Montana May 10, 2022 SKS What is the most beautiful waterfall in Montana? Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park is the most beautiful waterfall in Montana. This incredible waterfall starts with an enormous drop from the cliffs above, before cascading down a series of smaller rock cliff steps. Up above, the water seemingly flows straight from the forest of Glacier National Park surrounded by towering pine trees. To make it to Virginia Falls, you’ll start at the St. Nary Falls Trailhead. Along the way, you’ll actually get to see the St. Mary Falls, making this adventure a water-filled day! St. Mary Falls flows over three different drops and is roughly 35 feet tall, and is quite remarkable. However, the real star here is the beautiful Virginia Falls, which drops over 50 feet. If you are having trouble deciding which waterfall to explore in Montana, why not go with the most beautiful? What is the most beautiful hike in Montana? The Highline Trail through the stunning Glacier National Park just has to be the most beautiful hike in the entire state. A bit on the longer side, the Highline Trail clocks in at nearly 15 miles, but every one of those miles is absolutely stunning. The hike begins with the crossing of a steep cliff where you will hold onto a support line for balance. Whatever you do, don’t look down! However, be sure to look out onto the beautiful Glacier National Park from this incredible perch on the cliffside. This hike starts near the Logan Pass Visitors Center at the Loop Trailhead, and while there are many different route options for the Highline Trail, we recommend taking Logan Pass where you have the best chance of seeing Montana wildlife like bears and bighorn sheep. If you are looking for beautiful hikes, this is not one that you want to miss.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Montana
May 10, 2022
SKS
What is the most beautiful waterfall in Montana? Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park is the most beautiful waterfall in Montana. This incredible waterfall starts with an enormous drop from the cliffs above, before cascading down a series of smaller rock cliff steps. Up above, the water seemingly flows straight from the forest of Glacier National Park surrounded by towering pine trees. To make it to Virginia Falls, you’ll start at the St. Nary Falls Trailhead. Along the way, you’ll actually get to see the St. Mary Falls, making this adventure a water-filled day! St. Mary Falls flows over three different drops and is roughly 35 feet tall, and is quite remarkable. However, the real star here is the beautiful Virginia Falls, which drops over 50 feet. If you are having trouble deciding which waterfall to explore in Montana, why not go with the most beautiful? What is the most beautiful hike in Montana? The Highline Trail through the stunning Glacier National Park just has to be the most beautiful hike in the entire state. A bit on the longer side, the Highline Trail clocks in at nearly 15 miles, but every one of those miles is absolutely stunning. The hike begins with the crossing of a steep cliff where you will hold onto a support line for balance. Whatever you do, don’t look down! However, be sure to look out onto the beautiful Glacier National Park from this incredible perch on the cliffside. This hike starts near the Logan Pass Visitors Center at the Loop Trailhead, and while there are many different route options for the Highline Trail, we recommend taking Logan Pass where you have the best chance of seeing Montana wildlife like bears and bighorn sheep. If you are looking for beautiful hikes, this is not one that you want to miss.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park is the most beautiful waterfall in Montana. This incredible waterfall starts with an enormous drop from the cliffs above, before cascading down a series of smaller rock cliff steps. Up above, the water seemingly flows straight from the forest of Glacier National Park surrounded by towering pine trees. To make it to Virginia Falls, you’ll start at the St. Nary Falls Trailhead. Along the way, you’ll actually get to see the St. Mary Falls, making this adventure a water-filled day! St. Mary Falls flows over three different drops and is roughly 35 feet tall, and is quite remarkable. However, the real star here is the beautiful Virginia Falls, which drops over 50 feet. If you are having trouble deciding which waterfall to explore in Montana, why not go with the most beautiful?
What is the most beautiful hike in Montana?
The Highline Trail through the stunning Glacier National Park just has to be the most beautiful hike in the entire state. A bit on the longer side, the Highline Trail clocks in at nearly 15 miles, but every one of those miles is absolutely stunning. The hike begins with the crossing of a steep cliff where you will hold onto a support line for balance. Whatever you do, don’t look down! However, be sure to look out onto the beautiful Glacier National Park from this incredible perch on the cliffside. This hike starts near the Logan Pass Visitors Center at the Loop Trailhead, and while there are many different route options for the Highline Trail, we recommend taking Logan Pass where you have the best chance of seeing Montana wildlife like bears and bighorn sheep. If you are looking for beautiful hikes, this is not one that you want to miss.
