Beaver Chief Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
20.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
3 ft
About Beaver Chief Falls
Beaver Chief Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It cascades down the cliffs near Lake Ellen Wilson, offering breathtaking views for those who venture into the park's backcountry. The falls are fed by snowmelt and are most impressive during late spring and early summer.
The Setting
Beaver Chief Falls sits at 5,262 feet within Glacier National Park, fed by the M F Flathead River, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 20.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 3 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Gunsight Pass Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you through some of Glacier National Park's most scenic landscapes. The trail passes through alpine meadows, dense forests, and rugged mountain terrain. Beaver Chief Falls can be seen cascading down the cliffs near Lake Ellen Wilson, providing a picturesque backdrop for hikers.
What to Expect
Expect a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain and potentially challenging terrain. The trail may be snow-covered or muddy in early spring and late fall. Wildlife sightings, including bears and mountain goats, are common in this area.
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 Beaver Chief Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays in Glacier National Park. Day hikes do not require a permit, but reservations may be needed for access to Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Beaver Chief Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring through early summer is the best time to visit Beaver Chief Falls, as the snowmelt makes the waterfall most impressive during this period.
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 aware of rapidly changing weather conditions, steep terrain, and wildlife. Carry bear spray and hike in groups when possible. Check for trail closures or restrictions before your visit.
Current Water Conditions
906 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 85 years of record
2.19 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge M F Flathead River near West Glacier MT (21 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
979 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
979 cfs
2/10Sun
Barely Flowing
924 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
906 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
979 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
1015 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
1015 cfs
4/10Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 West Glacier 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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 738 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 5,282 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 537 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 533 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,282 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 738 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Beaver Chief Falls is located in Glacier National Park and is accessible via the Gunsight Pass Trail. The trailhead can be found at the Jackson Glacier Overlook on Going-to-the-Sun Road. The falls are visible from the trail near Lake Ellen Wilson.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Jackson Glacier Overlook, but spaces may be limited during peak season. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
5,262 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.593860° N, -113.764559° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and ensure you have enough daylight to complete the hike. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.
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This challenging 20.0 miles trail gains 3 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. 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.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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.
Where to Stay
West Glacier Heart Rock River Retreat
The Ridge At Glacier - Luxury Cabins
Wonderstone at Glacier
Under Canvas Glacier
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
Apgar Campground
11.1 miles away · 211 sites
Overview Apgar campground is the largest campground in the park. It is situated in trees and provides tent and RV campers with shade and some privacy. Evening sunsets on Lake McDonald are only a short stroll, and you won't want to miss evening programs with a ranger at the Apgar Amphitheater. Many trails are located within a short drive of the campground. Five Group Sites are reservable in advance.All sites require a reservation. Most sites have a 6-month booking window with a good handful having
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Lake Ellen Wilson, Gunsight Lake, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road are all nearby attractions worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. Always practice safe wildlife viewing and carry bear spray.
Cities near Beaver Chief Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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