Apikuni Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
700 ft
About Apikuni Falls
Apikuni Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It cascades down a rocky cliff face and is accessible via a short hike, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a scenic and relatively quick adventure.
The Setting
Apikuni Falls sits at 5,574 feet within Glacier National Park, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 700 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Apikuni Falls is a moderately steep hike through a mix of forested and open terrain. The path is well-maintained but can be rocky in sections. The waterfall is visible at the end of the trail, offering a rewarding view after the climb.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a short but moderately challenging hike with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and a dramatic waterfall at the end. Wildlife sightings, including bears and mountain goats, are possible in this area.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Apikuni Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on trails, lakeshores or in the backcountry in Glacier National Park; leashed pets may stay in developed areas like roads and campgrounds.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A reservation is required to enter Glacier National Park during peak season (May through September). Check the park's official website for details.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Apikuni Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Apikuni Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is accessible and the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Glacier National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Carry bear spray and hike in groups if possible. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and stay on the marked trail to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Swiftcurrent Creek, 1.2 miles away, not on Apikuni Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
22 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 76 years of record
1.56 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT (2 km away).
Today
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Strong
24 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
23 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
22 cfs
10/10Sat
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Best window: Thu — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Babb hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Apikuni Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Apikuni Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 39°F to 31°F.
- Days below freezing
- 2 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 26 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Montana.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 306 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,544 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 265 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 70 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,544 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 306 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Apikuni Falls is located in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. From the Many Glacier Hotel, drive approximately 1.5 miles to the Apikuni Falls trailhead, which is well-marked and located near the roadside.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
5,574 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.814270° N, -113.643071° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring bear spray and know how to use it, as this is bear country. Wear sturdy hiking shoes due to the rocky terrain.
This trail sits at 5,574 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 22% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 2.0 miles and 700 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
St. Mary Village
Chief Mountain Cabins
Glacier Borealis - 27’ Glamping Trailer by Glacier
Glacier Ridge Chalet- An Incredible Rockies Panorama Part of the Glacier Ridge Vacation Rental Collection
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND
2 miles away · 110 sites
Overview The Many Glacier Campground is located on the east side of Glacier National Park, at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet. The campground is located about 22 miles from the town of St. Mary and the east entrance to Glacier National Park. Babb, Montana, is the closest community to the Many Glacier Campground and is located approximately 12 miles east of the campground. Babb has a general store, gas station, several restaurants and an U.S. Post Office. Cell phone coverage is not availa
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Many Glacier Hotel, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Swiftcurrent Lake
Wildlife
The area is home to bears, mountain goats, and other wildlife. Be cautious and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Cities near Apikuni Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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