Florence Falls
Florence Falls cascades 800–845 ft in a hanging valley; water erodes the cliff in a glacially sculpted Belt setting.
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An idea to explore—not a must-do.
The full road crossing depends on seasonal access—even in summer.
An idea to explore—not a must-do.
An idea to explore—not a must-do.
Arrive before 8am to beat crowds.
Watch for wet, slippery rock near the base.
Alpenglow potential on surrounding peaks
Gravity hazards on steep trails; extremely cold water; Giardia risk in streams; grizzly bear habitat; no formal barriers; wet rocks increase slip risk; travel…
Natural Attraction
Mist crowns Florence Falls as the tiered cascade pours down a cliff into spray-socked air. From the main trail you can glimpse the base, with a 10–15 ft scramble offering a view of the entire cascade. This waterfall sits in a hanging valley carved by glaciers, set in Belt Supergroup rocks that record hundreds of millions of years of Earth history, still being shaped by ongoing erosion. Glacier action and uplift tell the long geologic story here.
MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP
Is this stop worth your time?
Why go
- What Youll See
- Base of Florence Falls along Florence Creek; mist and spray; a 10–15 ft scramble grants full cascade view; Mirror Pond wetlands nearby
- Unique Characteristics
- 800–845 ft total height; tall single-drop components with a visible terraced profile; Belt Supergroup rocks up to 1.6 Ga; glacially carved hanging valley context
When to go
- Best Visit Times
- Early morning or late afternoon; avoid the brightest midday glare
- Peak Fill Times
- Peak parking late June–September
Getting there and doing it
- How To Get There
- From the Gunsight Pass trail junction, take the Florence Falls spur for about 1 mile to the base view; total hike ~9.2–9.8 miles roundtrip. Park in the Jackson Glacier Overlook lot and follow the main trail toward Mirror Pond and the Florence Falls corridor.
- Parking Availability
- Fills during peak season; arrive early; Jackson Glacier Overlook is the primary lot
Getting there & parking
- Distance From Entrance
- 9.2–9.8 miles roundtrip
- Road Type
- Paved road to trailhead with pullouts and a large parking lot
- GPS Coordinates
- 48.6506563°N, -113.6927938°W
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Optimal: May–September. Golden Hour mornings provide softer light and clearer spray; Going-to-the-Sun Road access typically open late June to mid-October, weather permitting.
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Alpenglow potential on surrounding peaks
- Best Season
- Late spring to early fall
- Busiest Season
- Summer (late June–September)
- Seasonal Access
- Going-to-the-Sun Road typically open late June to mid-October, weather permitting
- Road Opening Dates
- Late June to mid-October (weather permitting)
- Snow Lingering
- Snow can linger into late spring on upper flanks near Gunsight Pass
- Winter Access
- Not accessible; snowbound conditions common
- Weather Patterns
- Cool mornings with possible afternoon thunderstorms; expect drizzle near spray; rapidly changing mountain weather
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Tiered Cascading Waterfall
- Main Features
- Tiered cascade; hanging valley; Twin Falls; Belt Supergroup bedrock; Pleistocene glacial shaping
- Photo Opportunities
- Dawn light on spray; long exposure silhouettes of the tiered drops; mist with backlit backdrop during golden hour
- Photography Spots
- Base view from the main trail; scramble hillside for full cascade; Mirror Pond reflections in good light
- Best Viewpoints
- Base from main trail; hillside scramble for an elevated panorama; near Mirror Pond wetlands along the St. Mary River
- Common Wildlife
- Grizzly bears, moose, American Dippers
- Best Wildlife Times
- Dawn and dusk; spring to fall for broader activity
- Geological Formation Type
- Hanging valley cascade within Belt Supergroup rocks
- Scientific Interest
- Belt Supergroup rocks up to 1.6 Ga; evidence of glacial erosion and uplift; long geological history visible in the cascade and canyon
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Included with park entrance fee
- Permits Required
- No
- Restrooms Available
- No
- Picnic Areas
- No
- Water Available
- No
- Cell Service
- Cell service is typically unavailable around the Jackson Glacier Overlook and along the Florence Falls hike. Download maps in advance and carry a printed park map; navigation relies on trail markers and GPS rather than a phone signal.
- Interpretive Signs
- No
- Accessibility
- Not accessible for wheelchairs; difficult terrain; significant elevation gain
- Accessibility Level
- Not wheelchair accessible; significant elevation changes and overgrown segments
- Nearby Services
- Parking at trailhead; limited on-site facilities; potable water not available
- Nearby Facilities
- Jackson Glacier Overlook parking; limited trailhead amenities; no potable water along trail
- Family Friendly Notes
- The Florence Falls hike is roughly 9.2–10 miles round trip with a spur to the falls. Expect exposed edges and long, remote sections; parts of the trail can be overgrown with chest-high vegetation. The area is bear habitat, so carry bear spray, make noise to avoid surprises, and supervise children closely. Wear sturdy footwear, bring water and snacks, and be prepared for a full-day outing. Not suitable for very young children.
Safety
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Mirror Pond, Gunsight Pass, St. Mary River wetlands
- Connecting Trails
- Gunsight Pass Trail junction; St. Mary River trail network
- Trailheads Here
- Gunsight Pass Trail junction; Jackson Glacier Overlook trailhead
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- Arrive before 8am to beat crowds.
- Watch for wet, slippery rock near the base.
- If you want the full cascade panorama, scramble 10–15 ft up the hillside with care.
- Tips Advice
- Park at the Jackson Glacier Overlook lot; arrivals before 8am avoid peak-season parking stress.
- Base view is on the main trail; a 10–15 ft scramble yields the full cascade panorama.
- Dress for variable weather; rugged, slippery rock requires sturdy boots and long pants.
- Bears are present; travel in groups, carry bear spray, make noise, and stay on trails.
- Water along the route is not potable; purify or bring all you need.
More details
- Park Area
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Elevation Feet
- 4908
- Visitor Center Present
- No
- Guided Tours Available
- No
- Waterfall Height
- 845 ft total height; tallest drop ~250 ft
- Waterfall Flow Rate
- Seasonal; strongest in late spring
- Fishing Nearby
- No
- Swimming Allowed
- No
- Boating Allowed
- No
- Climbing Areas
- No
- Review Summary
- Three reviews yield a 4.7-star average; hikers describe a dramatic, long cascade and challenging but rewarding terrain. Parking pressure is a common note in peak season; the geologic context adds depth to the hike.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to arrive before 8am to get parking?
Parking fills during peak season; arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot at Jackson Glacier Overlook.
Is the hike worth the 9–10 miles?
Yes. The long, multi-tier cascade and the opportunity to connect Belt Supergroup geology with glacial history make the effort worthwhile.
Can I drink water on the trail or purify it easily?
Water along the route is not potable; Giardia risk is present. Purify or carry all drinking water.
Is this trail suitable for older visitors or families with kids?
The route has steep, uneven sections and potential exposure. Not ideal for beginners or very young children; plan accordingly.
Are there bears here and how should I prepare?
Grizzly habitat is present; travel in groups, make noise, carry bear spray, and avoid dense vegetation or blind corners.
More at Glacier National Park
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.
Rising Sun Picnic Area
Pizza with a crispy crust and handmade sauce; big views over St. Mary Lake.
Two Medicine Picnic Area
Huckleberry Shake owns the menu; pancakes arrive in colossal portions.
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
- wikipedia.org
- astheyare.org
- nps.gov
- wanderlog.com
- hike734.com
- hikinginglacier.com
- discoveringmontana.com
- roamingbearmedia.com
- smokybear.com
- glacierguides.com
- glacier.org
- glacierparkcollection.com
- glaciermt.com
- usgs.gov
- theglacierblog.com
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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.