Florence Falls, Glacier National Park

Florence Falls cascades over terraced rocks amid dense evergreen forest in Glacier National Park.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48.6506563°N, -113.6927938°W
Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs; difficult terrain; significant elevation gain

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Mirror Pond, Gunsight Pass, St. Mary River wetlands
Nearby Facilities: Jackson Glacier Overlook parking; limited trailhead amenities; no potable water along trail
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.
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.
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.

More details

Park Area: Glacier National Park, Montana
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.
Attraction Type: Tiered Cascading Waterfall
Elevation Feet: 4908
Distance From Entrance: 9.2–9.8 miles roundtrip
Accessibility Level: Not wheelchair accessible; significant elevation changes and overgrown segments
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
Road Type: Paved road to trailhead with pullouts and a large parking lot
Seasonal Access: Going-to-the-Sun Road typically open late June to mid-October, weather permitting
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Tiered cascade; hanging valley; Twin Falls; Belt Supergroup bedrock; Pleistocene glacial shaping
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
Safety Considerations: Gravity hazards on steep trails; extremely cold water; Giardia risk in streams; grizzly bear habitat; no formal barriers; wet rocks increase slip risk; travel in groups and carry bear spray
Best Viewpoints: Base from main trail; hillside scramble for an elevated panorama; near Mirror Pond wetlands along the St. Mary River
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
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential on surrounding peaks
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 0
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
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.
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Gunsight Pass Trail junction; Jackson Glacier Overlook trailhead
Connecting Trails: Gunsight Pass Trail junction; St. Mary River trail network
Nearby Services: Parking at trailhead; limited on-site facilities; potable water not available
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
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
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon; avoid the brightest midday glare
Best Season: Late spring to early fall
Weather Patterns: Cool mornings with possible afternoon thunderstorms; expect drizzle near spray; rapidly changing mountain weather
Peak Fill Times: Peak parking late June–September
Busiest Season: Summer (late June–September)
Waterfall Height: 845 ft total height; tallest drop ~250 ft
Waterfall Flow Rate: Seasonal; strongest in late spring
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
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.