Is swimming allowed at Atsina Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Atsina Falls.

Live Conditions · 50 ft³/s · About average

Atsina Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Atsina Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Atsina Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Atsina Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $35.00. A permit is also required. A Glacier National Park entrance pass is required. Reservations for the Many Glacier area may also be required during peak season.

Montana • Glacier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Glacier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Chris M Morris CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Jeff P from Berkeley, CA, USA CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Jeff Pang CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

9.3 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

1,200 ft

About Atsina Falls

Atsina Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is part of the Many Glacier area and is known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes and lush forests. The waterfall is fed by snowmelt and glacial runoff, making it particularly impressive in late spring and early summer.

The Setting

Atsina Falls sits at 6,250 feet within Glacier National Park, fed by the Swiftcurrent Creek, in the high mountains of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

9.3 mi distance 1,200 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 9.3-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Atsina Falls is part of the Iceberg Lake Trail, a well-maintained and popular hiking route in Glacier National Park. The trail features gradual elevation gain, stunning views of the surrounding peaks, and opportunities to spot wildlife. Atsina Falls is located along the trail, approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike with breathtaking views of the Many Glacier area. Atsina Falls is a cascading waterfall surrounded by alpine scenery, making it a great spot for photography and a rest stop on the way to Iceberg Lake.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Atsina Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A Glacier National Park entrance pass is required. Reservations for the Many Glacier area may also be required during peak season.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Atsina Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Atsina Falls is late spring through early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall also offers beautiful foliage and fewer crowds.

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

Be bear-aware and carry bear spray. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the environment and for your safety. Weather can change quickly, so be prepared for rain or sudden temperature drops.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

50 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

31 38 100 141

Based on 112 years of record

1.72 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT

USGS 05014500

10.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 31 sq mi

Altitude: 4,881 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

50 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

57 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

55 cfs

4/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

51 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

48 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

50 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

56 cfs

3/10

Thu

Low

57 cfs

4/10

Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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.

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 397 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,208 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 85 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 300 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Atsina Falls near Babb, Montana, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Atsina Falls near Babb, Montana, showing about 397 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 6,208 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 397 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Atsina Falls is accessed via the Iceberg Lake Trail in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. Visitors must first reach the Many Glacier Hotel or the Iceberg Lake Trailhead, which is accessible by car. The trail to the falls is part of a longer hike to Iceberg Lake.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Iceberg Lake Trailhead near the Many Glacier Hotel, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

6,250 feet above sea level

Coordinates

48.873708° N, -113.850750° W

Land Management

Glacier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters, including bears, and carry bear spray.

This trail sits at 6,250 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 25% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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 9.3 miles and 1,200 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

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND

9.5 miles away · 110 sites

Reservable

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.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Iceberg Lake, Many Glacier Hotel, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Swiftcurrent Lake

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, mountain goats, and marmots. Always maintain a safe distance and follow park guidelines.