Feather Plume Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
6.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,200 ft
About Feather Plume Falls
Feather Plume Falls is a seasonal waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is known for its stunning cascade that flows down a steep rock face, typically fed by snowmelt and rainfall. The waterfall is most prominent during the spring and early summer months.
The Setting
Feather Plume Falls sits at 6,414 feet within Glacier National Park, fed by the Swiftcurrent Creek, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 6.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
No hiking is required to view Feather Plume Falls as it is visible from the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Visitors can enjoy the view from their vehicle or stop briefly at nearby pullouts.
What to Expect
Expect a seasonal waterfall that may vary in intensity depending on the time of year. During spring and early summer, the waterfall is typically at its most impressive due to snowmelt. In late summer or fall, the flow may diminish significantly.
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 Feather Plume Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A reservation is required to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season (May through September). Visitors must also pay the park entrance fee.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Feather Plume Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Feather Plume Falls is in late spring or early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak, ensuring a strong flow.
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
Exercise caution when stopping along the road, as traffic can be heavy. Be aware of changing weather conditions, as Glacier National Park is known for sudden storms.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT (6 km away).
Today
Low
57 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
60 cfs
3/10Sun
Barely Flowing
54 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
48 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
50 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
56 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
57 cfs
4/10Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, partly 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 Saint Mary 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.
1-meter lidar shows Feather Plume Falls dropping about 896 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 6,233 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 210 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 737 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,233 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 896 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
Feather Plume Falls can be viewed from the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. It is located near the Weeping Wall area, and visitors can spot it from the road without requiring a hike.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, but it can be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
6,414 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.751068° N, -113.702886° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty of the falls and surrounding area. Be cautious when stopping along the road, as traffic can be heavy during peak seasons.
This trail sits at 6,414 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 26% 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.
This challenging 6.0 miles trail gains 1,200 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
St. Mary Village
Chief Mountain Cabins
Glacier Borealis - 27’ Glamping Trailer by Glacier
Walsh Cottage on the shores of Lake McDonald
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
3.4 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
Nearby attractions include the Weeping Wall, Bird Woman Falls, and Logan Pass along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Wildlife
Visitors may spot wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and various bird species in the area. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
Cities near Feather Plume Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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