Oberlin Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Oberlin Falls
Oberlin Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is situated near Logan Pass and is accessible via the Highline Trail, offering stunning views of the surrounding alpine scenery.
The Setting
Oberlin Falls sits at 6,476 feet within Glacier National Park, fed by the Swiftcurrent Creek, in the high mountains of Montana.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Bird Woman Falls, the tallest waterfall in Montana at 492 feet, lies 1.2 miles to the west.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Oberlin Falls is a short and relatively easy hike starting from the Logan Pass Visitor Center. It features a well-maintained path with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors. The falls are surrounded by lush alpine vegetation and offer a serene spot for photography or a quick rest.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a short, scenic hike with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. The waterfall itself is modest in size but adds to the charm of the alpine environment. Wildlife sightings, such as mountain goats and marmots, are common in the area.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Oberlin Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A reservation is required to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season (May through September). Additionally, a Glacier National Park entrance fee is required.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Oberlin Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Oberlin Falls is during the summer months (July to September) when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open and the trail is free of snow.
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 cautious of wildlife and carry bear spray. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden rain or cold temperatures. The trail may be slippery when wet.
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 (12 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 Saint Mary 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 291 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 6,499 feet.
The ground changes about 33 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 330 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
- 6,499 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 291 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
Oberlin Falls is located near Logan Pass in Glacier National Park. Visitors can access the area via the Going-to-the-Sun Road. From the Logan Pass Visitor Center, the Highline Trail provides access to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Logan Pass Visitor Center, but it fills up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
6,476 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.699697° N, -113.723448° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early in the morning to secure parking at Logan Pass and avoid crowds. Bring layers, as weather in Glacier National Park can change rapidly. Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters and carry bear spray.
This trail sits at 6,476 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.
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
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
Avalanche Campground
4.6 miles away · 91 sites
Overview Avalanche campground is located in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. The campground accommodates tent and RV campers. However, only 50 sites will accommodate vehicle lengths up to 26 feet. All sites require a reservation. Most sites have a 6-month booking window with a good handful having a 4-day booking window. Recreation Avalanche is in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. Two p
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Logan Pass Visitor Center, Hidden Lake Overlook, Highline Trail, Going-to-the-Sun Road
Wildlife
Mountain goats, marmots, and occasionally bears may be spotted in the area.
Cities near Oberlin Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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