Running Eagle Falls: Spring Waterfall in Glacier National Park

Running Eagle Falls cascades through a rocky canyon into a clear pool in Glacier National Park.

Water pours over a limestone cliff, with a second flow sometimes springing from the rock above and vanishing behind the stone. A footbridge offers a direct view of the surface cascade while the lower flow reemerges from underground channels. This is Running Eagle Falls—a karst-like waterfall born from erosion of soluble limestone in the Altyn Formation and its hidden underground drainage.

Locale for scenic hikes on a beginner-friendly trail with a stream crossing, waterfall & rocky pool.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: Not publicly listed; located in the Two Medicine area of Glacier NP
Accessibility: Trail largely paved for the first 0.3 miles; remainder includes loop with uneven sections; some accessible segments exist

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Two Medicine Lake, Lower Two Medicine Lake, Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village
Nearby Facilities: Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village (nearby services)
Best Time To Visit: Two Medicine Road is open from late May/early June through mid-October. For lighting, aim for sunrise alpenglow on the eastern faces or spring evenings; avoid midday glare.
Tips Advice: Arrive early or late; the paved lot (~20 spaces) fills quickly in peak season.
The main viewing platform is reached via a short, mostly paved approach (about 0.3 miles) with additional vantage points along the loop.
Bear spray is recommended; expect occasional grizzly activity and slippery, wet rocks near the water.
The trail can be slick when wet; wear sturdy footwear and stay on designated paths.
Cell service is unreliable; download maps offline before you go.
Insider Tips: Beat crowds by visiting at dawn or dusk
Bear spray recommended
Check Two Medicine Road conditions; weather can close access
Stay on marked paths; keep distance from wildlife

More details

Park Area: Two Medicine, Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Short, easy hike; beware slick rocks and exposed edges near water; supervise children at stream crossings
Recent Updates: Seasonal access defined; road open late May–mid-October; viewing platform signage enhanced
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 5200
Distance From Entrance: 10-15 minutes from the Two Medicine entrance/ campground area
Accessibility Level: Drive-up viewing with a short paved section (0.3 miles); remainder is a loop with uneven segments; first portion accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
How To Get There: From U.S. Highway 2 near East Glacier Park Village, take Two Medicine Road toward the Two Medicine area; park at the trailhead lot and cross the footbridge to the main viewing platform.
Parking Availability: Paved lot for ~20 vehicles; fills quickly in peak season; arrive early or late
Road Type: Paved to trailhead via Two Medicine Road
Seasonal Access: Late May/early June–mid-October
Entry Fees: Park entrance fee applies; passes accepted
Main Features: Karst-like underground flow in Altyn Formation limestone; upper and lower cascades totaling ~70 ft; surface reemergence via underground channels
What Youll See: Waterfall on a limestone cliff; visible underground flow; footbridge viewing platform; loop trail with additional viewpoints; interpretive signs along the path
Unique Characteristics: Sacred Blackfeet site; visible underground channels illustrate karst-like processes; two cascade heights integrate surface and subterranean drainage; ancient limestone (Altyn Formation) with late-Cretaceous bedrock nearby
Safety Considerations: Bear activity; trail can be slippery when wet; stay back from water’s edge; bear spray recommended; cross at designated areas; irregular cell service
Best Viewpoints: Main viewing platform via footbridge; alternate angles along the loop trail
Photo Opportunities: Sunrise alpenglow on eastern aspects; long-exposure compositions from the footbridge; close-up shots of the upper cascade when water volume is high
Photography Spots: Main viewing platform; loop overlooks; stream-facing angles along the trail
Stargazing Quality: Moderate; relatively dark skies away from major roadlights, but campground lights reduce darkness
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow at sunrise on eastern faces; expansive ridgeline views at sunset
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 1
Cell Service: Limited or unreliable in the Two Medicine area
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Trailhead near Two Medicine area; main viewing via footbridge; loop trail around falls
Connecting Trails: Loop around the falls; connections to Two Medicine area trails
Nearby Services: Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village; limited services in immediate vicinity
Common Wildlife: Deer, elk, various birds; grizzly bears in the region
Best Wildlife Times: Early morning and late evening
Wildflower Peak: Mid-July to August
Fall Colors Peak: Late September to early October
Geological Formation Type: Karst-like underground flow in limestone (Altyn Formation)
Scientific Interest: Visible underground channels; karst erosion; sacred Blackfeet heritage; 1.5 billion-year-old rock
Road Opening Dates: Late May/early June–mid-October
Snow Lingering: Snow lingers into late May in some years
Winter Access: No winter access; not recommended
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon; spring evenings for alpenglow
Best Season: Summer (June–October)
Weather Patterns: Warm summers with potential afternoon thunderstorms; bring rain gear and check forecasts
Peak Fill Times: Busiest in July–August; parking fills by early morning
Busiest Season: July-August
Waterfall Height: Lower ~20 ft; upper ~40 ft; total ~70 ft
Waterfall Flow Rate: Variable; higher during snowmelt and after rain
Lake Size: Not applicable; nearby Two Medicine Lake
Fishing Species: Not applicable for fishing; Running Eagle Falls is a spring waterfall that emerges from bedrock, with no documented fish species in this area.
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Rated 4.9 from 34 reviews; a short, family-friendly stop with a unique karst-like flow and strong cultural significance; crowd levels peak in mid-summer, but the compact loop remains manageable for most visitors

Location

Photos

Running Eagle Falls in Glacier National Park, a scenic river setting with evergreen trees and a distant mountain backdrop.

Running Eagle Falls at Glacier National Park, a notable waterfall along the forested canyon landscape.

Running Eagle Falls cascades beside a forested valley with snow-capped peaks in Glacier National Park.

Running Eagle Falls cascades through rocky terrain surrounded by pines in Glacier National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

The paved lot holds about 20 vehicles and tends to fill quickly during peak season; arriving early or late gives you a better chance at a nearby spot.

Is it worth the 0.3–0.7 mile stroll to see a waterfall with underground flow?

Yes. The loop is short and gentle, and you’ll witness surface water reemerging from underground channels, a tangible karst-like process with cultural resonance.

Can I bring bear spray?

Bear spray is recommended due to possible grizzly activity; carry it and know how to use it before you hike.

Is the main viewing area accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes—the first 0.3 miles are paved and accessible; the main viewing platform is reachable, but some loop segments are uneven.

Is cell service reliable there?

No—cell signal is unreliable in the Two Medicine area; download maps and trail info beforehand.