Monument Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
800 ft
About Monument Falls
Monument Falls sits inside Glacier National Park and is managed by the National Park Service. The cascade is fed by meltwater from Sperry Glacier as it descends toward Avalanche Lake, and the falls are one of several closely spaced cascades in the immediate area (many of which remain unnamed). Framed by classic Glacier scenery, Monument Falls makes a scenic waypoint for hikers exploring this part of the park and is often photographed en route to Avalanche Lake. For campers, Sprague Creek Campground is the nearest developed option at about 9.61 km away, making Monument Falls accessible as a day hike from that basecamp. The route to the falls is a moderate outing that rewards visitors with glacier-fed watercourses and alpine views while remaining squarely within the NPS-managed landscape of Glacier National Park.
The Setting
Monument Falls sits at 4,272 feet within Glacier National Park, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 6.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: 6.0 miles round trip. Elevation gain: approximately 800 feet. Difficulty: moderate. This approach is the standard hike to the Avalanche Lake area that passes Monument Falls; specific trail surface, grade, and technical class were not specified in the provided park trail data. Hikers should plan for a typical park trail experience and check current Glacier National Park trail conditions before setting out.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike through beautiful wilderness scenery. The falls are surrounded by a pristine natural environment, offering opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and relaxation. The area is remote, so visitors should be prepared for limited cell service and bring necessary supplies.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Monument 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?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Monument Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Monument Falls is during late spring through early fall, when the trail is most accessible, and the weather is favorable. Snow may make the trail difficult or impassable during winter and early spring.
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 prepared for changing weather conditions and carry bear spray. Stay on the trail to avoid getting lost, and let someone know your plans before heading out. Watch for slippery rocks near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Swiftcurrent Creek, 11.6 miles away, not on Monument 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 (19 km away).
Today
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Strong
24 cfs
10/10Thu
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: Tomorrow — 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 West Glacier hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Monument Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Monument Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 43°F to 36°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.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 365 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,276 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 189 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 216 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,276 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 365 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Monument Falls can be accessed via the East Rosebud Trail, which is located near Roscoe, Montana. The trailhead is accessible by car, but the road conditions may vary depending on the season.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the East Rosebud Trailhead. The parking area may fill up during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
4,272 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.649973° N, -113.772060° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the return trip. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Be aware of wildlife, including bears, and carry bear spray.
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With 6.0 miles and 800 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
West Glacier Heart Rock River Retreat
The Ridge At Glacier - Luxury Cabins
Wonderstone at Glacier
Under Canvas Glacier
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
Sprague Creek Campground
6 miles away · 36 sites
Overview Sprague Creek is a small campground located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, just off Going-to-the-Sun Road. The maximum size limit allowed for all vehicles as well as combinations of vehicles and towed units in Sprague Creek Campground is 21 feet in length (including bumpers) and/or 8 feet in width (including mirrors). The campground is located within trees, providing shade during warm summers. Some sites near the shore have unobstructed views of Lake McDonald. All sites require
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include East Rosebud Lake, Elk Lake, and other scenic spots along the East Rosebud Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, mountain goats, and bears. Birdwatchers may also spot eagles and other birds of prey.
Cities near Monument Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Monument Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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