Apikuni Falls Trail: 1.0 Mile Hike in Glacier National Park

Apikuni Falls at Glacier National Park plunges between rugged granite cliffs under a vibrant blue sky.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48.80539, -113.63447
Accessibility: Steep, rocky final approach; not wheelchair-accessible

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Many Glacier Valley views; Altyn Peak; Mount Gould; Garden Wall; Salamander Glacier; Allen Mountain; Grinnell Point; Lake Sherburne
Nearby Facilities: Many Glacier Hotel restrooms; Poia Lake Trailhead access facilities
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.
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.
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

More details

Park Area: Many Glacier, Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Steep trail; hold hands for younger children; watch footing on rocky sections
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.
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 4918
Distance From Entrance: 1.0 mile one-way (1.8–2.0 miles roundtrip)
Accessibility Level: Hike required; steep final approach; not wheelchair-friendly
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.
Road Type: Paved (Many Glacier Road to trailhead area)
Seasonal Access: Late May–early October
Entry Fees: Varies; Glacier National Park entrance fee applies
Main Features: 300-foot cascade; Precambrian argillite cliffs; glacial cirque; Lewis thrust fault exposure
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)
Safety Considerations: 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; wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for cold gullies and wet surfaces.
Best Viewpoints: Base viewing area at the Apikuni Falls/Poia Lake Trailhead; vantage along the rocky approach with views up the cascade
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
Stargazing Quality: Good; dark skies away from park lights
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow on surrounding peaks at sunset
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 0
Restroom Type: Not available at trailhead
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unreliable in remote areas
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Apikuni Falls/Poia Lake Trailhead
Connecting Trails: Poia Lake Trail; Apikuni Falls Trail; Many Glacier area trails
Nearby Services: Many Glacier Hotel facilities; Poia Lake Trailhead amenities
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
Wildflower Peak: July–August
Fall Colors Peak: Late September–early October
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
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
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds
Best Season: Late May–early October
Weather Patterns: Afternoon thunderstorms common in warmer months; snowmelt drives peak flow in late spring
Peak Fill Times: Parking fills by 7am during peak season
Busiest Season: Summer (June–August)
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: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
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

Photos

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.