Glacier National Park

Apikuni Falls

moderate Waterfall LoversShort on TimeFamilies
2 mi Distance
700 ft Elevation Gain
Varies Estimated Time
roundtrip Trail Type

What to Expect

This one-mile climb packs a surprising punch for such a short trail. From the small pullout parking area just east of Many Glacier Hotel, you'll immediately start gaining elevation through a mix of subalpine meadow and rocky switchbacks. The trail is straightforward but steep in places — expect to feel it in your calves as you gain roughly 700 feet in just a mile. The path crosses a few small streams before delivering you to the base of Apikuni Falls, where Apikuni Creek plunges off a dramatic headwall in a ribbon of whitewater framed by dark, layered sedimentary rock. In early summer, snowmelt turns this into a thundering curtain; by late August, it thins to a graceful veil. This is a perfect trail for hikers who want a legit waterfall payoff without committing to a full-day outing in the Many Glacier valley.
Waterfall LoversShort on TimeFamiliesPhotographersMorning Hikers

Safety Advisory

The rocks near the base of the falls are perpetually wet and slippery — a fall here means landing on jagged stone. Stay well back from the edge and skip the urge to scramble closer for a selfie.

This is prime grizzly bear country. Carry bear spray, make noise on the trail, and check the ranger station for recent activity reports in the Many Glacier area before heading out.

Trail Details

Distance 2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain 700 ft
Difficulty moderate
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type roundtrip
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Apikuni Falls

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Arrive before 9 AM — the tiny Apikuni parking pullout holds maybe a dozen cars, and once Many Glacier fills up mid-morning, you'll be circling for a spot or hiking from much farther away.

Trail Tip

Trekking poles earn their keep here. The final approach to the falls base gets rocky and slick from spray, and the steep descent back down is where most people's knees start complaining.

Trail Tip

For the best photos, visit in June or early July when snowmelt has the falls at full volume. Late afternoon light hits the falls directly, but morning offers softer, more even illumination against the dark rock face.

More Trails in Glacier

Grinnell Glacier Trail

moderate
10.6 mi ·1,560 ft gain ·6-7 hours hrs

Mount Jackson

strenuous
10.6 mi ·4,000 ft gain ·8-10 hours hrs

Iceberg Lake

moderate
9.8 mi ·1,000 ft gain ·5-6 hours hrs

Hidden Lake Overlook

moderate
3 mi ·680 ft gain ·2-3 hours hrs

Explore Glacier National Park

13 campgrounds, 745 trails, 3.2M annual visitors

View Park Guide