Hidden Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
60 ft
About Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls is a cascade on Cataract Creek just below Grinnell Lake in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. The trail is nearly flat, following the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine before crossing a suspension bridge near the falls. Tour boats across both lakes can cut the walk to about 2.5 miles round trip.
The Setting
Hidden Falls sits at 4,967 feet within Glacier National Park, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 6.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 60 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
From the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead (Swiftcurrent Picnic Area) or Many Glacier Hotel, it is 3.4 miles one way to Grinnell Lake with little elevation change, per the NPS; Hidden Falls is just before the lake. With the concession boats across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, the walk from the upper boat landing is about 2.5 miles round trip with roughly 250 feet of total gain. Near the end, take the left fork at the suspension bridge junction to the falls viewing platform.
What to Expect
Expect lakeshore and forest walking, a one-person-at-a-time suspension bridge, and a viewing platform above the falls. Grinnell Lake is a short walk beyond.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hidden 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 Hidden Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, as the trail is more accessible and the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt.
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
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife. Check weather conditions before your visit, as storms can make the trail hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Swiftcurrent Creek, 2.9 miles away, not on Hidden 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT (5 km away).
Today
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Strong
24 cfs
9/10Thu
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: Thu — 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 Hidden Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Hidden Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 40°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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 120 feet through Hidden Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 4,994 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 67 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 84 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, 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
- 4,994 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 120 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- 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 northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Drive to the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. Start at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead at the Swiftcurrent Picnic Area or on the trail by the south end of Many Glacier Hotel, or take the tour boats from the hotel dock.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Swiftcurrent Picnic Area (Grinnell Glacier Trailhead) or at Many Glacier Hotel; lots fill early in summer.
Elevation
4,967 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.765952° N, -113.695686° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Boat tickets cost extra and reservations are recommended in summer. Arrive early, carry bear spray, and bring water.
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With 6.8 miles and 60 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
2.3 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
Grinnell Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake, Lake Josephine, the Grinnell Glacier Trail and Many Glacier Hotel.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Carry bear spray and be aware of your surroundings.
Cities near Hidden Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Hidden Falls
11 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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