Waterfalls Everywhere

Montana has waterfalls everywhere and it makes sense. We have a lot of mountains, a lot of snow, and it has to all go somewhere when spring finally comes after a long winter. The best waterfalls in Montana are in higher elevations, making them difficult to get to. We won’t be talking about those in our top 5. We are talking about the waterfalls that are fairly easy to get to, either from the road or via a short hike. The obvious best time of year to enjoy these waterfalls is sometime in spring and early summer Each will vary due to snow melts and the amount of snowpack in the mountains nearby.

#5 Holland Lake Falls, Missoula County, MT

If you travel about 25 miles north of Seeley Lake up Hwy 83 North to Holland Lake. From there, a trailhead to Lake Holland Falls will take you through a winding forest trail that leads to the main falls. The hike up to the falls is fairly easy and is especially great in the afternoons when the sun will be setting over the “Mission Mountain Range,” which also overlooks Holland Lake. If you’re camping, you will be at peace in the campgrounds around Holland Lake. Both are great places to stay cool on hot days.

#4 Crow Creek Falls, Broadwater County, MT

Crow Creek Falls is in the Elkhorn Mountain Range. It’s a great family friendly day hike. It’s a 6 mile round trip. The falls have only been public property since 2004 when the US Forest Service acquired the property from mining rights and private ownership.

This trip requires a 4×4 or a capable vehicle. The drive is across a lengthy gravel road with road conditions that get worse as you get closer to the falls. The drive is worth it, though, as it wouldn’t be on the list otherwise.

#3 Ousel Falls, Big Sky, MT

Ousel Falls in basically in Big Sky, MT. It’s about 3 miles from town and the hike is not too long and well maintained. The parking area has hiking information to inform hikers of any issues there may be and maps to guide the way. The scenery is beautiful all the way there and back. The falls themselves are nothing big but certainly offer the experience of soothing serenity. This hike is just enough to get you moving without spending a day to get there and back.

#2 Apkuni Falls, Glacier National Park

Apkuni Falls is another easy hike that is 1.7 miles round trip. As soon as you arrive at the parking lot you can see the falls. The big fall from the top falls into a small pool and from there another fall cascades down to Apkuni Creek. After that it continues to cascade gently through the forest. This is a very beautiful waterfall to visit. It wakes up to the sunshine in the morning for the best photography shots.

#1 Virginia and St. Mary’s Falls, Glacier National Park

Our number one is a two for one. This hike is the best of all the hikes in our top 5 waterfalls. The car trip to get here won’t disappoint getting here either. The first falls on this hike is St. Mary’s Falls. This falls is part of St. Mary’s River and flow into St. Mary’s Lake. Once you cross the river it’s a bit longer to hike to Virginia Falls which is one of the best waterfalls to see. It’s not big nor does it have a lot of water, it’s gorgeous here.

This This is a very beautiful place to visit by car and there are many great hikes near here as well.

Hike and Explore Montana

Montana is very beautiful in the spring/summer and hiking is one way to explore and take in its majesty. Hiking and exploring waterfalls is a great way to give a journey a purpose.