Is swimming allowed at Twin Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Twin Falls.

Live Conditions · 34 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Twin Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Twin Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Twin Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Gallatin National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

aaron_anderer CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

John William Hammond CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Navin75 CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

mypubliclands CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

3.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Twin Falls

Twin Falls sits tucked into the Gallatin National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offering a peaceful twin cascade framed by dense forest and mountain views. The waterfall is most commonly accessed via the USFS-designated Grotto Falls Trail (Trail #432), a short maintained spur that brings you close to the drop for photos or a quiet picnic. The setting feels remote but is well-loved by day hikers and nature photographers for its photogenic twin streams and shaded pool. The approach to the falls is an easy, family-friendly outing: the full route is an out-and-back of about 3.6 miles with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain, making it suitable for most visitors looking for a rewarding half-day hike. If you want to extend your visit, Chisholm Campground is about 5.2 km away and provides a convenient spot to camp under the pines before or after your hike.

The Setting

Twin Falls sits at 8,209 feet within Gallatin National Forest, in the high alpine of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Grotto Falls (#432), a 3.6-mile out-and-back trail over imported compacted material. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain. The trail is fully developed (Class 5).

USFS Trail

GROTTO FALLS #432

Trail Class

Fully Developed

Surface

Imported Compacted Material

USFS Segment

0.03 mi

Trail Description

Route: out-and-back, 3.6 miles total; elevation gain ~300 feet; difficulty: easy. The trail is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service within Gallatin National Forest. The USFS maps a short spur to the falls as GROTTO FALLS (Trail #432), a Class 5 segment surfaced with imported compacted material and recorded at 0.03 GIS miles; the spur provides the final, well-defined approach to the twin cascades. Expect a mostly gentle grade overall with forested tread and a brief, hard-packed approach to the viewpoint.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through scenic landscapes, culminating in a view of the cascading Twin Falls. Wildlife sightings, such as deer and birds, are common along the trail. The area around the falls is typically quiet and offers a great place to rest and enjoy nature.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Twin Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Twin Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Twin Falls is during late spring through early fall, when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall flow is at its peak 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 Gallatin National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check weather conditions before your visit, as sudden changes can occur in the mountains.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

34 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

43 67 130 170

Based on 75 years of record

2.38 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.

Hyalite C at Hyalite R S nr Bozeman MT

USGS 06050000

10.3 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 49 sq mi

Altitude: 5,540 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Twin Falls is located in Glacier National Park, Montana. The trailhead can be accessed from the Many Glacier area, which is a well-known region within the park. Visitors typically start their hike from the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

8209 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.430209° N, -110.976611° W

Land Management

Gallatin National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can get warm during summer months. Wear sturdy shoes, as some sections of the trail may be uneven.

This trail sits at 8,209 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

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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.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

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This easy 3.6 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

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.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

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

Where to Stay

Game Day Hub! half Mi to MSU and Bobcat Stadium

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

CHISHOLM CAMPGROUND

3.2 miles away · 10 sites

Reservable

Overview Chisholm Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, 18 miles south of Bozeman, Montana. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and climbing.Recreation Hyalite Reservoir offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Anglers fish for Yellowstone cutthroat, Arctic grayling and brook trout. Hyalite

Book on Recreation.gov