Apikuni Falls

300‑ft cascade over Precambrian argillite; base-view hike in Many Glacier.

Insider tip

Start early to beat parking crowd

Insider tip

Bring bear spray and make noise on ascent

The light

Alpenglow on surrounding peaks at sunset

Heads up

Final approach is steep and rocky; loose rock near the falls increases slip risk. Bears are common; carry bear spray and make noise. Weather can change quickly…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.9
Geological Formation4,918 ftNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

A white plume of water leaps 300 feet into a rocky pool, set against jagged argillite walls. Meltwater from the surrounding cirque flows through the gorge, and relentless erosion shapes the dramatic cascade as caprock resists the softer stone. The scene sits amid alpine peaks at 4,918 feet, with a rugged, rocky path leading to the base viewing area.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

What Youll See
A tall waterfall dropping over layered argillite, alpine peaks and cirque walls, a rocky trail leading to a base viewing area
Unique Characteristics
Oldest exposed rock in the area (Precambrian argillite ~1.5 Ga); set in a glacial cirque; linked to the Lewis thrust fault system; named for Blackfeet author James Willard Schultz (Apikuni)

When to go

Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills by 7am during peak season

Getting there and doing it

How To Get There
From the Many Glacier area, follow Apikuni Falls/Poia Lake Trailhead. The trail is about 1 mile to the base, with a rocky, exposed approach.
Parking Availability
Limited; ~12–14 spaces at the joint Apikuni Falls/Poia Lake Trailhead. Parking fills very early in peak season.

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
1.0 mile one-way (1.8–2.0 miles roundtrip)
Road Type
Paved (Many Glacier Road to trailhead area)
GPS Coordinates
48.80539, -113.63447

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late May–early October. Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light and alpenglow on surrounding peaks; mid-day sun can create glare, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow on surrounding peaks at sunset
Best Season
Late May–early October
Busiest Season
Summer (June–August)
Seasonal Access
Late May–early October
Road Opening Dates
Late May (seasonal) open; closes with snow in fall
Snow Lingering
May–early June
Winter Access
Limited; snowshoeing possible with proper gear
Weather Patterns
Afternoon thunderstorms common in warmer months; snowmelt drives peak flow in late spring
Wildflower Peak
July–August
Fall Colors Peak
Late September–early October

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
300-foot cascade; Precambrian argillite cliffs; glacial cirque; Lewis thrust fault exposure
Photo Opportunities
Early light on the cascade; mist with alpine backdrop; dramatic rock faces and surrounding peaks
Photography Spots
Base viewing area; along the trail with framing views of Many Glacier Valley and surrounding peaks
Best Viewpoints
Base viewing area at the Apikuni Falls/Poia Lake Trailhead; vantage along the rocky approach with views up the cascade
Common Wildlife
Grizzly bears, black bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, pikas, chipmunks, squirrels, weasels
Best Wildlife Times
Spring through fall; bears most active in early morning and late afternoon
Geological Formation Type
Cirque; Precambrian argillite exposure; Lewis thrust fault context
Scientific Interest
1.5-billion-year-old argillite; glacial cirque development; thrust fault relationships in the Lewis system
Stargazing Quality
Good; dark skies away from park lights

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies; Glacier National Park entrance fee applies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
No
Restroom Type
Not available at trailhead
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Unreliable in remote areas
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Steep, rocky final approach; not wheelchair-accessible
Accessibility Level
Hike required; steep final approach; not wheelchair-friendly
Nearby Services
Many Glacier Hotel facilities; Poia Lake Trailhead amenities
Nearby Facilities
Many Glacier Hotel restrooms; Poia Lake Trailhead access facilities
Family Friendly Notes
Steep trail; hold hands for younger children; watch footing on rocky sections

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Many Glacier Valley views; Altyn Peak; Mount Gould; Garden Wall; Salamander Glacier; Allen Mountain; Grinnell Point; Lake Sherburne
Connecting Trails
Poia Lake Trail; Apikuni Falls Trail; Many Glacier area trails
Trailheads Here
Apikuni Falls/Poia Lake Trailhead

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Start early to beat parking crowd
  • Bring bear spray and make noise on ascent
  • Wear grippy shoes; micro-spikes helpful in shoulder seasons
  • Check road status; Many Glacier Road is seasonal
Tips Advice
  • Parking is limited; in peak season arrive before 7am.
  • The final approach is steep and rocky; wear grippy shoes.
  • Bear spray is highly recommended; make noise on ascent.
  • Trekking poles help; micro-spikes may be needed in early season.
  • No restrooms at the trailhead; Many Glacier Hotel has facilities.
  • Stay on the trail; loose rock and bear activity demand caution.

More details

Park Area
Many Glacier, Glacier National Park
Recent Updates
No new updates have been reported. The listed access details remain: the Apikuni Falls Trailhead parking accommodates about 12–14 vehicles; the hike is roughly 1.0–1.8 miles round trip; and the final approach to the base is steep and rocky.
Elevation Feet
4918
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Height
300 ft
Waterfall Flow Rate
Variable; peak during snowmelt
Lake Size
Varies
Fishing Species
No documented fishing species information for Apikuni Falls; the area is primarily a hiking destination.
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Rating 4.9/5 from 28 reviews reflects the dramatic 300-foot cascade and the cirque setting. The hike to the base is moderate but demanding in places, with limited parking and notable bear presence. Visitors consistently remark on the scale and geology, not just the view.

Location

Apikuni Falls area along a rocky stream in Glacier National Park, Montana, with rugged talus and distant forested slopes.Apikuni Falls trail winds through a rocky alpine basin with evergreen trees toward the waterfall in Glacier National Park.Apikuni Falls trail winds toward a rugged Glacier National Park peak with pine trees in summer.Apikuni Falls overlook at Glacier National Park, with snow-dusted peaks, lush forest, and a turquoise lake in a dramatic valley.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes. Parking at the Apikuni Falls/Poia Lake Trailhead is limited and fills very early in peak season, often before 7am.

Is the 1-mile hike to the falls worth it?

Yes. The 300-foot cascade framed by a glacial cirque delivers a dramatic, geology-rich viewpoint from a dependable base.

Can I bring my dog on this hike?

Dogs are not recommended on this trail due to steep, rocky terrain and wildlife presence; check current park rules before visiting.

Will my 65-year-old mother be able to reach the base viewing area?

The final approach is steep and rocky with uneven footing; it may be challenging for those with limited mobility, but the base is accessible to fit hikers who pace themselves and take breaks.

Is there a restroom at the trailhead?

No restrooms at the trailhead. The closest facilities are at the Many Glacier Hotel.

Pyramid Peak

Granite peak sharpened by glacial ice; scrambling to Pyramid Peak from Pyramid Pass.

Grace Lake

Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.

Two Medicine Picnic Area

Two Medicine’s lake and peaks reward a future picnic; road access is closed as of September 9, 2026.

Monument Falls

215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.

Lake McDonald

A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.