Miche Wabun Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
No maintained trail reaches the falls. The route requires a river ford, off-trail travel and route-finding, and any overnight trip needs a Glacier National Park backcountry permit.
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Miche Wabun Falls
Miche Wabun Falls is in the remote northeast corner of Glacier National Park, where meltwater from the Miche Wabun Glacier and nearby snowfields flows over the falls into Miche Wabun Lake at the head of the North Fork Belly River. There is no maintained trail to the falls. The old route leaves the Belly River Trail from the Chief Mountain Trailhead, fords the river and continues on an overgrown, rarely maintained path that requires route-finding, so this is a long backcountry trip rather than a short outing.
The Setting
Miche Wabun Falls sits at 5,312 feet within Glacier National Park, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the Chief Mountain Trailhead, the Belly River Trail descends about 3 miles to a fork where the old Miche Wabun route heads toward the Belly River. Beyond that it is a Class 3 route that the park maintains infrequently: it fords the river, crosses a large meadow with no trail, and follows an overgrown path around the north ridge of Sentinel Mountain into the North Fork Belly River valley. The trail to Miche Wabun Lake has long been overgrown, and no reliable distance to the falls is published.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil hike through nature, culminating in views of Miche Wabun Falls cascading over rocks into a serene pool. Wildlife sightings are possible, and the area is typically quiet and less crowded compared to other park attractions.
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 Miche Wabun 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
🏊 Is There Swimming at Miche Wabun Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Miche Wabun Falls, as snowmelt increases the water flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.
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 changing weather conditions, and carry bear spray as the area is within bear country. Watch for slippery rocks near the falls and stay on marked trails.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Swiftcurrent Creek, 13.6 miles away, not on Miche Wabun Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
26 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 111 years of record
1.55 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 (22 km away).
Today
Low
28 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
27 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
27 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
27 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
2/10Wed
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
2/10Thu
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
2/10Best window: Tomorrow — 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 Babb 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 172 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,357 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 24 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 72 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast 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
- 5,357 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 172 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
Start at the Chief Mountain Trailhead on the Chief Mountain Highway (Montana 17), just south of the US-Canada border in the northeast corner of the park.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Chief Mountain Trailhead lot on the Chief Mountain Highway.
Elevation
5,312 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.980940° N, -113.771402° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate footwear. Check weather conditions before heading out, as trails may be slippery after rain.
This trail sits at 5,312 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 21% 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.
Where to Stay
Aspen Village
Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort
Prince of Wales Hotel
Waterton Glacier Suites
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND
13.4 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
Other attractions in Glacier National Park include Lake McDonald, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and Avalanche Lake.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, and birds. Always maintain a safe distance from animals and carry bear spray.
Cities near Miche Wabun Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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