Monument Falls
Monument Falls overlook along a tranquil lake in Glacier National Park, with jagged granite cliffs and a bright blue sky.
Monument Falls cascades beside Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park, a serene alpine scene.
+2 more

Monument Falls

Natural Attrβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Last Updated: December 2025

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible; viewing limited to Avalanche Lake shore

Best Season

Early summer to early fall; peak melt late June–September

Busiest Season

Summer (late June–September)

Features

215 ft waterfall; meltwater from Sperry Glacier; Belt Supergroup context

Elevation

5,400 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

A 215-foot curtain of water pours into the cold pool of Avalanche Lake. Spray fogs the shoreline as meltwater from Sperry Glacier hammers the drop, throwing rainbows in the late afternoon light. This scene is erosion in action: water gnaws at rock over Deep Time, shaping a dramatic fall in Belt Supergroup geology. Monument Falls, seen from the Avalanche Lake shore, is a live textbook of glacial-era meltwater sculpting.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

5,400 ft

Access

Not wheelchair accessible; viewing limited to Avalanche Lake shore

Main Features

215 ft waterfall; meltwater from Sperry Glacier; Belt Supergroup context

What You'll See

Mossy rock ledges, a powerful curtain of water, cold mist over Avalanche Lake, rugged rock faces

What Makes It Special

Meltwater-fed waterfall within Glacier's Belt Supergroup; direct viewing limited to the lake shore

Best Time to Visit

Early summer through September for peak meltflow; late afternoon light during golden hour.

Safety Considerations

Gravity hazard: slippery, moss-covered rocks; extremely cold water; no direct barriers; stay on trails; bear spray recommended; travel in groups

Visitor Tips

  • Parking at Avalanche Picnic Area/Campground fills very early in peak season; plan to arrive before mid-morning.
  • Wear sturdy footwear; rocks near the falls are extremely slippery.
  • Carry bear spray, hike in groups, and make noise to avoid surprised wildlife.
  • Cell service is extremely limited in the Avalanche Lake corridor; plan emergency contingencies.
ℹ️ Data Sources
πŸ“– mapy.com πŸ“– wikipedia.org πŸ“– wikiwand.com πŸ“– yournpguide.com πŸ“– indiatimes.com πŸ“– reddit.com πŸ“– glaciertourbase.com πŸ“– youtube.com πŸ“– destiniefouche.com πŸ“– nps.gov πŸ“– glacier-national-park-travel-guide.com πŸ“– glaciermt.com πŸ“– glaciernationalparklodges.com πŸ“– canada.ca πŸ“– wonderswithinreach.com πŸ“– shesavesshetravels.com πŸ“– alltrails.com πŸ“– glacierguides.com πŸ“– glacier.org πŸ“– discoverkalispell.com πŸ“– visitgreatfallsmontana.org πŸ“– lakeplacid.com ⭐ Google Reviews πŸ“ YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works β†’