Paiota Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
About Paiota Falls
Paiota Falls is a lesser-known waterfall tucked into the Atsina Lake basin of Glacier National Park, managed by the National Park Service. Atsina Lake sits just to the west of Pyramid Peak, and Wikipedia notes that the lake basin contains several waterfalls including Paiota Falls, Atsina Falls, and the Mokowanis Cascade. The falls offer a quiet, scenic stop amid the park’s alpine forest and peaks — a rewarding destination for hikers who prefer less-crowded features in Glacier's high-country. Access to Paiota Falls is typically made while visiting the Atsina Lake area. Because detailed surface, grade, and formal trail class information are not documented in the available data, hikers should consult Glacier National Park resources before heading out and be prepared for variable mountain conditions.
The Setting
Paiota Falls sits at 6,191 feet within Glacier National Park, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Check Glacier National Park trail information for current conditions before hiking.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with a waterfall surrounded by forested landscapes. The area may be less crowded due to its relative obscurity.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Paiota 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 Paiota Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to snowmelt.
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
Trail conditions may vary, and the area may be slippery near the waterfall. Wildlife encounters are possible, so carry bear spray and follow safety guidelines.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Swiftcurrent Creek, 10.1 miles away, not on Paiota 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 (16 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 Paiota Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Paiota Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 36°F to 31°F.
- Days below freezing
- 2 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 ground through the falls loses about 310 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,173 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 51 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 264 feet in the 500 feet below. 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
- 6,173 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 310 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
The exact location and directions to Paiota Falls are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local guides or resources for accurate directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability near Paiota Falls is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available.
Elevation
6,191 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.872121° N, -113.849759° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the location is not well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for varying trail conditions.
This trail sits at 6,191 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 25% 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
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND
9.4 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 natural attractions in Montana, such as Glacier National Park, may be worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area may host a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and potentially bears. Visitors should take standard precautions.
Cities near Paiota Falls
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