Before you go
Dawson Falls is on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Non-tribal members need a Blackfeet tribal recreation permit, and no public trail to the falls is documented; ask Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife about access first.
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About Dawson Falls
Dawson Falls is mapped about 1.3 miles south-southeast of East Glacier Park Village, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation just east of Glacier National Park. We found no published trail, trailhead or height for this waterfall. Non-tribal members need a Blackfeet tribal recreation permit to hike on reservation land, and some areas are closed to non-members.
The Setting
Dawson Falls sits at 4,705 feet within Blackfeet Indian Reservation, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Dawson Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Dawson Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit Dawson Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check weather and road conditions before visiting, as heavy rain or snow can make access difficult. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Two Medicine River bl South Fork nr Browning MT (16 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, peaking in May.
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 East Glacier Park Village hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Dawson Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Dawson Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 47°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 1 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 96 feet through Dawson Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 4,730 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 103 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 69 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,730 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 96 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are about 1.3 miles south-southeast of East Glacier Park Village. No public trail or trailhead is documented, so ask Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife in Browning about access before going.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
4,705 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.423343° N, -113.209172° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB Restricted Access
Visitor Tips & Gear
Buy a Blackfeet recreation permit before hiking on reservation land. Permits are sold online, at the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife office in Browning, and at some local gas stations and campgrounds.
Where to Stay
Circle R Motel
Glacier Alpine Lodges
Glacier Alpine Escape
Cedar Cabin Cozy 2-Bedroom next to Glacier Park
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
Two Medicine Campground
8.5 miles away · 105 sites
Overview Two Medicine is a 100 site campground located in the Two Medicine Valley of Glacier National Park. There is a ranger station and campstore in close proximity, but no other services or accommodations are located in the valley. There is no cell service or wifi. Generators are allowed only in Loops B & C. Generators are prohibited in Loop A. All sites require a reservation. Most sites have a 6-month booking window with a good handful having a 4-day booking window. For information on nearb
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park, with Running Eagle Falls and Twin Falls, is a short drive west of East Glacier Park Village.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Visitors should practice bear safety and carry bear spray.
Cities near Dawson Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Dawson Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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