Mokowanis Cascade
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
15.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Mokowanis Cascade
Mokowanis Cascade is a picturesque waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is part of the Mokowanis River and is known for its serene surroundings and cascading waters, making it a popular spot for hikers exploring the park.
The Setting
Mokowanis Cascade sits at 5,712 feet within Glacier National Park, fed by the Swiftcurrent Creek, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Mokowanis Cascade follows the Belly River Trail, which is a remote and scenic route through Glacier National Park. The trail passes through dense forests, open meadows, and alongside rivers, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The cascade itself is located near the Mokowanis Lake area.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a challenging but rewarding hike through pristine wilderness. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a peaceful atmosphere. Wildlife sightings, including bears and moose, are common in this area.
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 Mokowanis Cascade?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A backcountry camping permit is required for overnight stays in Glacier National Park. Reservations can be made through the park's official website.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Mokowanis Cascade?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during the summer and early fall when the trail is most accessible and the weather is favorable.
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 area with potential wildlife encounters, including grizzly bears. Carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, and store food properly. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for rain, cold, or heat. Cell service is unreliable.
Current Water Conditions
47 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
1.70 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
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 (16 km away).
Today
Low
47 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
45 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
46 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
47 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
49 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
48 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
47 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 194 feet of descent through Mokowanis Cascade, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 5,735 feet above sea level.
Water arrives on almost flat ground and leaves through a ravine that loses about 227 feet in the first 500 feet below the falls. 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
- 5,735 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 194 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
Mokowanis Cascade is accessed via the Belly River Trail in Glacier National Park. The trailhead is located near the Chief Mountain Customs Trailhead, which is close to the U.S.-Canada border. Reaching the waterfall requires a multi-day backpacking trip.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Chief Mountain Customs Trailhead. Visitors should ensure they have the appropriate permits for overnight parking.
Elevation
5,712 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.876470° N, -113.841340° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Plan for a multi-day backpacking trip and ensure you have the necessary permits. Bring bear spray and be prepared for changing weather conditions. The trail is remote, so carry sufficient food, water, and emergency supplies.
This trail sits at 5,712 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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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
Bayshore Inn & Spa
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
9.3 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
Mokowanis Lake, Cosley Lake, and Glenns Lake are nearby attractions along the Belly River Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, deer, and birds. Visitors should exercise caution and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Cities near Mokowanis Cascade
Nearby Waterfalls
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