Feather Woman Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
7.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,600 ft
About Feather Woman Falls
Feather Woman Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It cascades down a steep cliff face and is best viewed from the trail leading to Grinnell Glacier. The falls are fed by glacial melt, making them particularly impressive during late spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak.
The Setting
Feather Woman Falls sits at 7,192 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 7.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,600 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Feather Woman Falls is part of the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which offers breathtaking views of alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and wildlife. The trail is well-maintained but includes steep sections and significant elevation gain. Feather Woman Falls can be seen from the trail, cascading down the cliffs near the glacier.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a challenging hike with rewarding views of the falls and surrounding landscapes. The trail may be crowded during peak season, and wildlife such as bears and mountain goats are commonly spotted in the 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 Feather Woman Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A reservation is required to access Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road and Many Glacier area during peak season. Check the park's website for details.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Feather Woman Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, as the trail is typically snow-free and the falls are at their most powerful 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
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Carry bear spray and hike in groups to reduce the risk of wildlife encounters. The trail can be slippery near the falls, so use caution.
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
Barely Flowing
979 cfs
2/10Best 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.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 435 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,187 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 108 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 449 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 7,187 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 435 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Feather Woman Falls is accessed via the Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park. The trailhead is located near the Many Glacier area, which is accessible by car. Visitors should check Glacier National Park's website for current road and trail conditions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Many Glacier Hotel or the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead. However, parking can fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
7,192 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.611638° N, -113.779004° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early in the day to secure parking and avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather can change rapidly. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
This trail sits at 7,192 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 29% 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 7.6 miles trail gains 1,600 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
Grinnell Glacier, Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Lake, Iceberg Lake Trail
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter bears, mountain goats, marmots, and a variety of bird species. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
Cities near Feather Woman Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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