Twin Falls

Two cascades drop 80 feet along a mossy trail in Glacier National Park.

Insider tip

Start early to beat crowds

Insider tip

If using the boat shuttle, the hike is cut roughly in half

The light

Evening alpenglow in Two Medicine can enhance the landscape.

Heads up

Gravity and slippery, moss-covered rocks near the falls; swift glacial streams demand caution; hypothermia risk in cold water; bear spray recommended; stay on…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.9
Geological Formation5,320 ftRestrooms availableGolden-hour pick

YOUR VISIT, YOUR WAY

What would you love to do here?

Make the waterfalls the focus of your Two Medicine visit: hike to Twin Falls independently or combine a lake crossing with a shorter walk. Important for 2026: Two Medicine Road closes at Running Eagle Falls Trailhead beginning September 8, and the listed boat season ends September 7. These are open-season visit ideas, not confirmation of access on your dates; check NPS before committing. Stay back from water and steep edges, supervise children, keep your distance from wildlife, and carry bear spray and weather-ready layers.

Hike via the South Shore

Use the South Shore approach to avoid the unbridged ford on the 2026 North Shore reroute. It adds about a mile each way compared with the usual North Shore route, so allow for a longer hiking day. Check access first: the September 8, 2026 road closure affects reaching this area.

Twin Falls, South Shore Trailhead, Two Medicine · High effort

With children

Supervise children closely around water and drop-offs, and consider the longer walk and changing mountain conditions.

Take the boat, then walk to the falls

When operating, take the boat to the head of Two Medicine Lake, then walk about 0.9 mile each way to Twin Falls. Allow time for the return boat and possible waits; fares apply. The listed 2026 boat season ends September 7, so do not assume this option is available afterward.

Twin Falls, head of Two Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park · Moderate effort

With children

Keep children supervised near the lake and falls, and plan for weather or conditions that may affect the walk or return boarding.

Check the operator’s current details →

Saved choices are ideas, not reservations. Check current access, conditions and opening times before travel.

Planning sources · checked September 7, 2026

Twin Falls are two 80-foot cascades in Glacier National Park’s Two Medicine Valley, fed by streams from No Name Lake. Access the falls via a boat shuttle across Two Medicine Lake, then a 2.2–2.3 mile round-trip hike to base.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

What Youll See
A pair of waterfalls cascading into Two Medicine Valley, mossy boulders, forest, and distant white-water spray; the left fall is more visible than the right.
Unique Characteristics
Part of Glacier NP’s glacially carved landscape that records Belt Supergroup geology and the Lewis Overthrust context, with U-shaped valleys and cirques nearby.

When to go

Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harness optimal light.
Peak Fill Times
June–August; parking tends to fill by 8am in peak months

Getting there and doing it

How To Get There
From Two Medicine Lake area, access Twin Falls via trails from the West End Boat Dock or South Shore Trailhead. Take the shuttle boat across Two Medicine Lake to reduce distance, then follow the Twin Falls trail to the cascades.
Parking Availability
Parking at Two Medicine Lake can fill quickly in peak summer; arrive early or late to avoid congestion.

Explore your choices Choose your visit options.

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
0.8 miles one-way from West End Boat Dock (boat shuttle); 2.3 miles round trip from South Shore Trailhead; total 4.4 miles with boat shuttle or 9.8 miles without.
Road Type
Varies
GPS Coordinates
48°28′35″N 113°25′36″W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late June through mid-September; aim for morning or late afternoon light for best photography.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Evening alpenglow in Two Medicine can enhance the landscape.
Best Season
Late June through mid-September
Busiest Season
July and August
Seasonal Access
Late June–mid-September for full access; Going-to-the-Sun Road generally opens mid-to-late June and closes mid-October.
Road Opening Dates
Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens mid-to-late June and closes mid-October.
Snow Lingering
Lingering snow possible into late spring at higher elevations
Winter Access
Limited; winter access depends on snow conditions
Weather Patterns
Unpredictable weather with potential afternoon storms; plan for changing conditions.

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Twin Falls cascades (~80 ft) on outlet streams from surrounding peaks and No Name Lake, within a glacially sculpted Glacier NP landscape; nearby Pumpelly Pillar (7,620 ft) and Belt Supergroup bedrock.
Photo Opportunities
Early morning or late afternoon light along the trail; spray and greenery create dynamic portraits; capture the falls with Pumpelly Pillar in the background when possible.
Photography Spots
Along the trail near the cascades; with Two Medicine Lake reflections in the distance; near Pumpelly Pillar views.
Best Viewpoints
Trail viewpoint along the Twin Falls route; near the mossy stretch where the left fall dominates the view.
Common Wildlife
Goats, sheep, pika
Best Wildlife Times
Early morning and late evening
Geological Formation Type
Glacially sculpted landscape in Belt Supergroup rocks
Scientific Interest
Glacially sculpted terrain in Glacier National Park, underlain by Belt Supergroup rocks within the Lewis Overthrust domain. Twin Falls demonstrates alpine glacial hydrology: outlet streams from surrounding peaks and No Name Lake feed two cascades that descend about 80 feet into the Two Medicine Valley. Nearby Pumpelly Pillar is a prominent glacially carved pillar that helps illustrate the landscape’s geological history. The trailhead sits around 5,180 feet in elevation, with the hike peaking near 5,320 feet.

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Water Available
Yes
Cell Service
Weak or nonexistent
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Trail with moderate elevation; uneven, mossy sections; not fully accessible for disabilities
Accessibility Level
Hike required
Nearby Services
Two Medicine area facilities; vault toilets; parking; no explicit potable water on trail
Nearby Facilities
Vault toilets; parking; no explicit trail-side water
Family Friendly Notes
Stay on marked trails; keep children close near water; moss can be slippery.

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Two Medicine Lake, Upper Two Medicine Lake, Pumpelly Pillar
Connecting Trails
Twin Falls trail connects with trails toward Upper Two Medicine Lake; combining hikes is common with boat shuttle or longer treks.
Trailheads Here
Two Medicine area: West End Boat Dock trailhead; South Shore Trailhead

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Start early to beat crowds
  • If using the boat shuttle, the hike is cut roughly in half
  • Look for the longer view with Pumpelly Pillar in the frame
Tips Advice
  • Arrive before 8am in June–August to beat crowds and secure parking.
  • Use the West End Boat Dock shuttle to cut the hike to 0.8 miles one-way.
  • Dress in layers; bring rain gear and sturdy shoes for mossy, uneven terrain.
  • Cell service is weak; download maps and trail details before you go.

More details

Park Area
Glacier National Park
Elevation Feet
5320
Guided Tours Available
Yes
Waterfall Height
80 ft (24 m)
Boating Allowed
Yes
Review Summary
Visitors rate Twin Falls highly for its short, rewarding payoff and the dramatic glacial setting. Parking can be a bottleneck in peak season, but the payoff—a pair of cascades framed by Glacier’s ancient rock—is consistently praised. The hike is moderate and accessible, with strong runoff and forest ambiance throughout the ascent.

Location

Twin Falls, Glacier National Park, framed by evergreen trees with a rugged, cloud-covered peak in the distance.Twin Falls trail winds through a meadow of wildflowers with evergreen trees and a rugged mountain backdrop in Glacier National ParkTwin Falls boardwalk winds through a lush meadow and forest in Glacier National ParkHikers near Twin Falls overlook a tranquil alpine lake with jagged, snow-dusted peaks of Glacier National Park.

Frequently asked questions

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

Parking fills by 8am in June–August; arrive before 7am or consider late afternoon visits to secure a spot.

Is it worth the 0.8-mile hike (with boat shuttle) to see Twin Falls?

Yes. The 80-foot cascade delivers a satisfying payoff for a short hike; combining with Upper Two Medicine Lake extends the experience to about 4.4 miles with shuttle.

Will my cell phone work on the Twin Falls trail?

Cell service is weak or nonexistent in the Two Medicine area; download maps and trail details before you go.

Can I combine Twin Falls with a longer lake hike?

Yes. The Twin Falls route pairs with Upper Two Medicine Lake, with either a boat shuttle or a longer backcountry approach; total distances range from 4.4 miles (with shuttle) to 9.8 miles (without).

Is the road to Two Medicine paved and accessible year-round?

The area is seasonally accessible; Going-to-the-Sun Road opens mid-to-late June and closes mid-October, with full access best from late June through mid-September.

Is there parking overflow or shuttle options during peak season?

Yes—overflow parking exists and the boat shuttle from Two Medicine Lake helps reduce hiking distance during peak season.

Is the Twin Falls trail appropriate for children or families?

The trail is moderate with mossy, slippery sections; keep kids close and use caution near wet rocks and logs.

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.

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.