Salamander Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Partly frozen · 0 days below freezing LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
10.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,600 ft
About Salamander Falls
Salamander Falls drops from the area between Salamander Glacier and Grinnell Glacier in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. It formed as the two glaciers retreated and separated, and it is seen from the upper Grinnell Glacier Trail near Upper Grinnell Lake. The hike is a long, steady climb with views of Grinnell Lake below.
The Setting
Salamander Falls sits at 6,791 feet within Glacier National Park, in the high mountains of Montana.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Bird Woman Falls, the tallest waterfall in Montana at 492 feet, lies 3.3 miles to the south.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 10.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,600 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Grinnell Glacier Trail runs 5.3 miles one way with about 1,600 feet of gain from the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead or Many Glacier Hotel, per the NPS. Taking the concession boats across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine shortens it to 3.6 miles one way. The falls are seen from the upper part of the trail approaching Upper Grinnell Lake.
What to Expect
Expect a sustained climb on a well-built but exposed trail with views of Grinnell Lake, Grinnell Falls and the Salamander and Grinnell glaciers. Footing near the falls and glacier overlook can be wet and rocky.
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 Salamander 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?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Salamander Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Mid-July through September, when the upper trail is usually snow-free and the falls are running with glacial melt.
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
The trail may be slippery near the falls, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Carry bear spray and be prepared for limited cell service.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Swiftcurrent Creek, 4.7 miles away, not on Salamander 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT (8 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 Saint Mary hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Salamander Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoPartly frozen highs above freezing lately
Salamander Falls is probably icing up: 8 freezing days in the last two weeks. Expect icicles and ice at the edges with water still running through the middle.
- Days below freezing
- 8 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 637 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,684 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 364 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 139 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,684 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 637 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Drive to the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park and start at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead at the Swiftcurrent Picnic Area or at Many Glacier Hotel. A concession boat from the hotel dock can shorten the hike.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead (Swiftcurrent Picnic Area) or at Many Glacier Hotel; lots fill early in summer.
Elevation
6,791 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.755624° N, -113.735783° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots, bring plenty of water, and check weather conditions before your visit. Cell service may be limited in the area.
This trail sits at 6,791 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 27% 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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This challenging 10.6 miles trail gains 1,600 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. 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.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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.
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
MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND
3.9 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
Grinnell Glacier, Upper Grinnell Lake, Grinnell Lake, Hidden Falls, Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine.
Wildlife
The area may be home to deer, birds, and other forest wildlife. Be aware of potential encounters with bears or other large animals.
Cities near Salamander Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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