Waterfalls aren’t simply a beautiful natural wonder, they have also played an important role in the lives of Native American communities in Montana for thousands of years. For these indigenous people, waterfalls were not just physical features, but also spiritual ones believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits.
The Blackfoot people, for example, believed that waterfalls were created by the trickster god, Napi, as a way to punish those who had disobeyed his laws. The waterfalls were seen as places of great power, where spirits could be found and where one could go to seek guidance and healing.
The Salish and Kootenai tribes had a similar reverence for waterfalls. They believed that the spirits of their ancestors resided in these powerful natural features and that they could communicate with these spirits through ritualistic dances and ceremonies.
The use of waterfalls was not just spiritual, however. Native Americans also used waterfalls for practical purposes, such as fishing and transportation. When European settlers arrived in Montana in the 1800s, they encountered these powerful waterfalls and the beliefs surrounding them. Unfortunately, many settlers did not respect the traditions and beliefs, and saw the waterfalls as mere obstacles to be conquered.
As a result, the construction of dams and hydroelectric power plants on many of Montana's rivers and waterfalls has had a significant impact on the natural landscape. These projects have disrupted traditional fishing and hunting practices and have caused irreparable harm to the spiritual and cultural significance of many of the waterfalls.
Today, efforts are being made to preserve Montana's waterways, landscapes, and the cultural significance they hold.
If you are a lover of Montana’s scenic beauty, including its stunning waterfalls. Here’s a list of 24 waterfalls in Montana that you should add to your must-visit list. Unadulterated, they are the perfect places to reconnect with nature.
Virginia Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in the park, known for its stunning beauty and powerful flow. The waterfall cascades down a series of rocks and boulders, creating a misty and serene atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world. The trail to the waterfall is about 3.6 miles round trip, making it a moderately difficult hike. The trail is surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the park's natural beauty.
Running Eagle Falls, also known as Trick Falls, is a unique waterfall located in Glacier National Park. What makes it unique is that it is a double waterfall, with one flowing over the other. The lower falls, also known as Trick Falls, disappears into a cave and then reappears downstream, making it seem like the water is magically disappearing and reappearing. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers, as it can be accessed via a short, easy trail.
Ousel Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Gallatin National Forest near Big Sky, Montana. The waterfall is named after the ouzel, a bird that is known for its ability to swim underwater. The trail to the waterfall is about 1.6 miles round trip and is rated as an easy hike. The waterfall itself cascades over a series of rocks and boulders, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Kootenai Falls is a majestic waterfall located near Libby, Montana. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the state, with a drop of more than 90 feet. The waterfall is surrounded by a rugged landscape of steep cliffs, dense forests, and rocky terrain, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can access the waterfall via a short trail that leads to a viewing platform, which offers breathtaking views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.
Blodgett Canyon Waterfall is a hidden gem located in the Bitterroot Mountains of southwestern Montana. It is a relatively small waterfall, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty. The waterfall cascades down a steep rock face, surrounded by lush green forests and rugged mountain terrain. The hike to the waterfall is about 3.5 miles one way and is rated as moderate. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.
Located in Glacier National Park, Avalanche Lake Falls is a beautiful 30-foot cascade that drops into the clear blue waters of Avalanche Lake. The hike to the falls is a moderate 4.5-mile round trip, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains along the way.
This impressive waterfall hike to the infamous Granite Creek just outside of Libby, MT. Not the easiest of hikes stretching over 10 miles to the back side of the peak, be prepared to encounter snow and ice. The run is well worth it though as you encounter small waterfalls along the way, especially in spring. The end of the hike includes a lake with a string of waterfalls running down the rocks, and views of Granite Peak.
This stunning 80-foot waterfall is located in the Hyalite Canyon near Bozeman. The falls are easily accessible via a short 0.3-mile hike from the parking area, making it a popular destination for families and hikers of all abilities.
Located in Glacier National Park, Baring Falls is a beautiful 25-foot waterfall that drops into the creek before flowing into the clear waters of St. Mary Lake. The hike to the falls is an easy 0.6-mile round trip, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Located in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Grotto Falls is a beautiful gushing waterfall that drops into a picturesque pool below. The hike to the falls is a moderate 2.4-mile round trip, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife along the way.
This stunning waterfall is located in Glacier National Park. A little more remote and requiring a passport, it is an easy hike with the trail following along the river culminating in a majestic set of cascades.
This beautiful 90-foot waterfall is located in the Swan Range near Seeley Lake. The hike to the falls is a moderate 2.7-mile one-way, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife along the way.
Located in Glacier National Park, the Swiftcurrent Falls is a beautiful waterfall that offers visitors a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. Parking is available at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and the long hike is not for the inexperienced at 15.9 miles in length. The multiple falls along the trail cascade down a series of rocks, creating a picturesque scene that's perfect for photography.
Located in Yellowstone National Park, the Hellroaring Falls is a quick but moderately difficult hike to a bridge over the aptly named roaring reservoir. It's located near the Tower-Roosevelt area of the park, and visitors can enjoy a scenic hike through meadows to reach the bridge. The trail is a little off the beaten path and gives visitors more privacy than most in the park.
The Hidden Lake Falls is located in Glacier National Park and is a short hike from the Hidden Lake Overlook. The falls cascade down a series of rocks, creating a picturesque scene that's perfect for photography. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic hike to reach the falls, and the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Located in the Gallatin National Forest, the Crow Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall that trickles down the rock face to an elegant pool. Popular for camping, visitors can enjoy a scenic hike to reach the falls, and the 5.3-mile trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The waterfall is located near Radersburg, and visitors can easily access it from the road.
Twin Falls
Located in the Twin Falls State Park, the Twin Falls is a beautiful waterfall that's about 40 feet high. The falls cascade down a series of rocks, creating a picturesque scene that's perfect for photography. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike to reach the falls, and the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Silver Falls
Located in the Lewis and Clark National Forest, Silver Falls is a beautiful waterfall that's about 40 feet high. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike to reach the falls, and the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The waterfall is located near the town of Neihart, and visitors can easily access it from the road.
Florence Falls
Located in Glacier National Park, the beautiful cascade of Florence Falls is worth the hike. Only a little over a mile, it is a steep trek, though very manageable. Passing mostly through the forest with Mirror Pond as a scenic backdrop, there is also a smaller waterfall, Deadwood Falls, along the way.
Located in the Gallatin National Forest, the Lost Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall that's about 50 feet high. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike to reach the falls, and the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The waterfall is located near the town of Big Sky, and visitors can easily access it from the road.
Located in Yellowstone National Park, the Fairy Falls is a beautiful waterfall that's about 200 feet high. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike to reach the falls, and the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The waterfall is located near the Midway Geyser Basin, and visitors can easily access it from the trail.
Located in Glacier National Park, the Redrock Falls is a beautiful waterfall that's about 25 feet high. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike to reach the falls, and the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The waterfall is located near the Many Glacier area of the park, and visitors can easily access it from the trail.
Located in the Lolo National Forest, Rock Island Falls is a stunning waterfall that cascades over a series of rocky cliffs, creating a beautiful display of mist and spray. The falls are accessible via a short 0.3-mile hike through a scenic forested trail, making it an easy and popular destination for families with kids. The area around the falls is also known for its beautiful wildflowers and diverse wildlife, including black bears, deer, and elk.
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Mystic Falls is a beautiful waterfall that drops 70 feet into a stunning turquoise pool. The falls are accessible via a 2.4-mile hike through a scenic forested trail, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area around the falls is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing and photography. The falls are also known for their unique geothermal features, including hot springs and geysers, adding to the mystique and allure of the falls.
Each of these waterfalls offers a unique and breathtaking experience that you won't want to miss. From the towering Virginia Falls to the secluded and tranquil Mystic Falls, there's a waterfall in Montana for every nature lover. So, pack your bags and hit the road to explore these beautiful wonders of nature.
