Is swimming allowed at Thunderbird Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Thunderbird Falls.

Thunderbird Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Thunderbird Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Thunderbird Falls.

Montana • Glacier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Glacier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

High Trails CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Wilson Hui CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

An Unnamed Lake - panoramio.jpg CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Thunderbird Falls

Thunderbird Falls is a scenic waterfall reached within Glacier National Park in Montana and managed by the National Park Service. A short, roughly 2.0-mile out-and-back trail with about 200 feet of elevation gain leads to the falls; the route is rated easy, making it a pleasant half-day outing for hikers and families exploring the park. The hike sits inside the national park’s boundaries, so visitors should plan according to NPS guidelines and seasonal conditions. While the trail’s modest climb rewards you with waterfall views without a strenuous ascent, the nearest designated camping noted in available park data is Schnau's Cabin, about 26 km away, so overnight plans may require travel to nearby backcountry or front-country sites outside the immediate trailhead area.

The Setting

Thunderbird Falls sits at 6,634 feet within Glacier National Park, fed by the Swiftcurrent Creek, in the high mountains of Montana.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Lineham Falls (410 ft) lies 9.5 miles to the north. Also nearby: Upper Bertha Falls (246 ft, 7.6 mi).

Lineham Falls Upper Bertha Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back. Total length: 2.0 miles (approximately 1.0 mile one-way). Elevation gain: ~200 feet. Difficulty: easy. Average grade is modest — roughly 200 ft of gain over the one-way distance (~4% average). Official surface type and technical trail class are not specified in the available NPS/park data; the route is described in park information as an accessible, short hike within Glacier National Park (managed by the National Park Service).

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Thunderbird Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Thunderbird Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the falls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a chance to see the falls partially frozen.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Glacier National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery during wet or icy conditions. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked paths. Be aware of wildlife and carry bear spray if hiking during bear season.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT (32 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

50 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

57 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

57 cfs

4/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

52 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

48 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

50 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

56 cfs

3/10

Thu

Low

57 cfs

4/10

Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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 Polebridge 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 440 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,644 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 94 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 483 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Thunderbird Falls near Polebridge, Montana, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Thunderbird Falls near Polebridge, Montana, showing about 440 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 6,644 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 440 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Thunderbird Falls is located off the Glenn Highway, approximately 30 minutes north of Anchorage, Alaska. The trailhead is well-marked and accessible via a short drive from the highway.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking lot at the trailhead, which may require a small parking fee. Visitors should check for updated fee information before visiting.

Elevation

6,634 feet above sea level

Coordinates

48.940725° N, -114.032455° W

Land Management

Glacier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes, especially during wet or icy conditions. Bring insect repellent in the summer months, as mosquitoes can be present. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking.

This trail sits at 6,634 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV 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.

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 2.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

SCHNAUS CABIN

16.2 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Schnaus Cabin is located near the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River, in the Flathead National Forest. It can host up to 12 guests for a scenic, peaceful mountain vacation. The rustic dwelling provides a superb setting for fishing, hiking, bird watching and much more in the Whitefish Mountains. The fully accessible cabin can be reached via vehicle and a parking area is located outside the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must b

Book on Recreation.gov