Florence Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
10.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,150 ft
About Florence Falls
Florence Falls is a waterfall on the east side of Glacier National Park, reached by a spur off the Gunsight Pass Trail. The hike starts at the Jackson Glacier Overlook on Going-to-the-Sun Road, passes Deadwood Falls and the St. Mary River, then climbs to the falls. The round trip is about 9 to 10 miles with roughly 1,150 feet of total climbing, most of it on the return.
The Setting
Florence Falls sits at 4,908 feet within Glacier National Park, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 10.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,150 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
From the Jackson Glacier Overlook pullout the trail drops toward Reynolds Creek and passes Deadwood Falls, then crosses a suspension bridge near the St. Mary River. At the junction, the Gunsight Pass Trail continues toward Gunsight Lake and the Florence Falls spur turns off and climbs to the falls. Sources measure the round trip at 9.2 to 10.2 miles, with about 1,150 feet of total elevation gain because the trailhead sits above the valley.
What to Expect
A long day hike through forest and brushy meadows along the St. Mary River valley, with views of Gunsight Mountain, Mount Jackson and Fusillade Mountain. Thimbleberry and other brush can grow chest-high near the falls.
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 Florence Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on trails, lakeshores or in the backcountry in Glacier National Park; leashed pets may stay in developed areas like roads and campgrounds.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Florence Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
July through September, when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open and the trail is free of snow.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Glacier National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Grizzly bears use this valley and dense brush near the falls limits visibility, so make noise, carry bear spray and hike in a group. The trail can close temporarily for bear activity; check NPS trail status before you go. Rocks around the falls are slippery.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Swiftcurrent Creek, 10.4 miles away, not on Florence Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
22 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 76 years of record
1.56 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT (17 km away).
Today
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Strong
24 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
23 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
22 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
23 cfs
7/10Sun
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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.
Is Florence Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Florence Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 26 ft³/s
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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 262 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 4,954 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 328 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 82 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,954 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 262 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
Start at the Jackson Glacier Overlook pullout (Gunsight Pass Trailhead) on Going-to-the-Sun Road, about 13 miles west of St. Mary on the east side of the park. The park shuttle also stops at this pullout when it is running.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is limited to the roadside pullout at Jackson Glacier Overlook, which can fill on summer days. No vehicle reservations are required in 2026.
Elevation
4,908 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.650669° N, -113.692797° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early, carry plenty of water and bear spray, and allow about 3.5 to 5 hours for the round trip. The last stretch to the falls is uphill, but remember the climb back up to the road at the end of the day.
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With 10.0 miles and 1,150 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
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Avalanche Campground
6 miles away · 91 sites
Overview Avalanche campground is located in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. The campground accommodates tent and RV campers. However, only 50 sites will accommodate vehicle lengths up to 26 feet. All sites require a reservation. Most sites have a 6-month booking window with a good handful having a 4-day booking window. Recreation Avalanche is in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. Two p
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Deadwood Falls, Gunsight Lake, St. Mary Falls, Virginia Falls and the Jackson Glacier Overlook.
Wildlife
Grizzly and black bears, moose and deer are seen along this trail.
Cities near Florence Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Florence Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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