Ipasha Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
15.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
2 ft
About Ipasha Falls
Ipasha Falls is a remote and stunning waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is fed by Ipasha Glacier and cascades down rugged cliffs into a pristine alpine setting. The falls are surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, making it a rewarding destination for experienced hikers.
The Setting
Ipasha Falls sits at 6,407 feet within Glacier National Park, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 15.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 2 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The hike to Ipasha Falls is long and strenuous, requiring a combination of established trails and off-trail navigation. The journey typically begins on the Iceberg Lake Trail, which is well-maintained and offers stunning views. Beyond Iceberg Lake, hikers must navigate rugged terrain and unmarked paths to reach the falls. This route is recommended only for experienced hikers with proper gear and navigation skills.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect breathtaking alpine scenery, including views of Ipasha Glacier, towering peaks, and the cascading falls. Wildlife sightings, such as mountain goats and bears, are common in this area. The trail is remote and offers a true wilderness experience.
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 Ipasha 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?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A Glacier National Park entrance pass is required. Additionally, a reservation may be needed for access to the Many Glacier area during peak season.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ipasha Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Ipasha Falls is during the summer months (July to September) when the trails are free of snow and the weather is more predictable.
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
This is a remote and challenging hike. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, carry bear spray, and practice proper food storage to avoid attracting wildlife. Navigation skills are essential beyond Iceberg Lake.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Swiftcurrent Creek, 7.6 miles away, not on Ipasha 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 (12 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 Babb hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Ipasha Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Ipasha Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 35°F to 30°F.
- Days below freezing
- 4 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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 427 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 6,383 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 190 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 377 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and 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
- 6,383 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 427 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- 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 north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Ipasha Falls is located in the remote northern section of Glacier National Park. Access typically requires a challenging hike starting from the Many Glacier area, with the most common route passing through Iceberg Lake Trail and continuing off-trail to the falls. This area is not easily accessible and requires advanced navigation skills.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Many Glacier trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
6,407 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.848291° N, -113.806964° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to allow plenty of time for the hike and to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the route beyond Iceberg Lake is unmarked. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry bear spray, as this is grizzly bear territory.
This trail sits at 6,407 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 15.0 miles trail gains 2 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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND
6.9 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
Iceberg Lake, Many Glacier Hotel, Grinnell Glacier Trail
Wildlife
The area is home to grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, and a variety of bird species.
Cities near Ipasha Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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