Grinnell Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
7.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Grinnell Falls
Grinnell Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is fed by Grinnell Glacier and cascades down a rocky cliffside into the turquoise waters of Grinnell Lake. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers exploring the park's scenic trails.
The Setting
Grinnell Falls sits at 5,738 feet within Glacier National Park, fed by the Swiftcurrent Creek, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 7.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Grinnell Falls is a scenic hike that passes through lush meadows, dense forests, and along the shores of Grinnell Lake. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The final approach to the falls involves a short detour from the main trail to get closer to the cascading water.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike with stunning views of alpine scenery, wildlife sightings, and the sound of rushing water from the falls. The trail is well-maintained but may have muddy or slippery sections, especially after rain.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Grinnell Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A reservation is required to enter Glacier National Park during the peak summer season. Check the National Park Service website for details.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Grinnell Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Grinnell Falls is during the summer and early fall, when the trail is typically free of snow and the waterfall is flowing strongly from glacial melt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is 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 potential hazards such as slippery rocks, sudden weather changes, and wildlife encounters. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Check trail conditions before starting your hike.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT (6 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
54 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
53 cfs
2/10Sun
Barely Flowing
51 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
48 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
54 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
58 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
57 cfs
4/10Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, mostly 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.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 448 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,734 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 327 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 266 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,734 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 448 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Grinnell Falls is accessible via the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which begins near the Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park. Visitors must enter the park through the Many Glacier entrance and follow signs to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Many Glacier Hotel or nearby trailhead parking lots, but spaces can fill up quickly during peak season.
Elevation
5,738 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.762858° N, -113.720016° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters, including bears, and carry bear spray.
This trail sits at 5,738 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 23% 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.
With 7.6 miles and 500 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
MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND
3 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 Grinnell Glacier, Many Glacier Hotel, and Swiftcurrent Lake.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, and marmots. Visitors should exercise caution and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Cities near Grinnell Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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