Apikuni Falls Trail: 1.0 Mile Hike in Glacier National Park

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Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Hike required; steep final approach; not wheelchair-friendly

Best Season

Late May–early October

Busiest Season

Summer (June–August)

Features

300-foot cascade; Precambrian argillite cliffs; glacial cirque; Lewis thrust fault exposure

Elevation

4,918 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

4,918 ft

Access

Hike required; steep final approach; not wheelchair-friendly

Main Features

300-foot cascade; Precambrian argillite cliffs; glacial cirque; Lewis thrust fault exposure

What You'll See

A tall waterfall dropping over layered argillite, alpine peaks and cirque walls, a rocky trail leading to a base viewing area

What Makes It Special

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)

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.

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.

Visitor Tips

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.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 4,918 ft

Distance from Entrance: 1.0 mile one-way (1.8–2.0 miles roundtrip)

GPS: 48.80539, -113.63447

What Makes It Unique:

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)

Water Feature Details

Height: 300 ft

Size: Varies

Flow/Best Viewing: Variable; peak during snowmelt

Fish Species: Not specified

Geology

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

Getting There

Directions:

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.

Access Type: Hike required; steep final approach; not wheelchair-friendly

Road: Paved (Many Glacier Road to trailhead area)

Seasonal Access: Late May–early October

Parking: Limited; ~12–14 spaces at the joint Apikuni Falls/Poia Lake Trailhead. Parking fills very early in peak season.

Entry Fees: Varies; Glacier National Park entrance fee applies

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Apikuni Falls/Poia Lake Trailhead

Connecting Trails:

Poia Lake Trail; Apikuni Falls Trail; Many Glacier area trails

Photography & Viewing

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

Best Photo Spots:

Base viewing area; along the trail with framing views of Many Glacier Valley and surrounding peaks

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow on surrounding peaks at sunset

Stargazing: Good; dark skies away from park lights

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Grizzly bears, black bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, pikas, chipmunks, squirrels, weasels

Best Wildlife Viewing: Spring through fall; bears most active in early morning and late afternoon

Wildflower Peak: July–August

Fall Colors Peak: Late September–early October

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late May–early October

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds

Road Opens: Late May (seasonal) open; closes with snow in fall

Busiest: Summer (June–August)

Parking Fills: Parking fills by 7am during peak season

Snow Until: May–early June

Winter Access: Limited; snowshoeing possible with proper gear

Weather:

Afternoon thunderstorms common in warmer months; snowmelt drives peak flow in late spring

Activities

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Many Glacier Valley views; Altyn Peak; Mount Gould; Garden Wall; Salamander Glacier; Allen Mountain; Grinnell Point; Lake Sherburne

Nearby Services:

Many Glacier Hotel facilities; Poia Lake Trailhead amenities

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

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Steep, rocky final approach; not wheelchair-accessible

Family Friendly:

Steep trail; hold hands for younger children; watch footing on rocky sections

Nearby Facilities:

Many Glacier Hotel restrooms; Poia Lake Trailhead access facilities

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 28 Google reviews

Based on 28 guest reviews

" 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."

Reviews from Google

The relatively short but all-uphill hike to Apikuni falls was no joke and not for those with limitations. However, it was absolutely worth the effort. The falls were beautiful, and my whole family felt a great sense of accomplishment for having made the journey.If you're up to the challenge this should be a must see on any day spent at Many Glacier. Plan a minimum of 2 hours to hike up, enjoy the falls, and hike back down.

This is a really glorious waterfall. I think it was my favorite in the park and is may be the tallest. The hike up is a little steep in spots, but it is relatively short. I think this would make a great family hike because there is a big pay off at the end for kids and lots of different places to explore.

Nice falls less than a mile from the trailhead. You do need to climb a good bit, but nice views of the falls reward the effort. Due to a thunderstorm moving in, I did not make it to the base of the falls.

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