Natural Attraction
Running Eagle Falls
Water pours over a limestone cliff, with a second flow sometimes springing from the rock above and vanishing behind the stone. A footbridge offers a direct view of the surface cascade while the lower flow reemerges from underground channels. This is Running Eagle Falls—a karst-like waterfall born from erosion of soluble limestone in the Altyn Formation and its hidden underground drainage.
Locale for scenic hikes on a beginner-friendly trail with a stream crossing, waterfall & rocky pool.
Access & viewing
- GPS Coordinates
- Not publicly listed; located in the Two Medicine area of Glacier NP
- Accessibility
- Trail largely paved for the first 0.3 miles; remainder includes loop with uneven sections; some accessible segments exist
Conditions & safety
- Permits Required
- 0
Planning advice
- Nearby Attractions
- Two Medicine Lake, Lower Two Medicine Lake, Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village
- Nearby Facilities
- Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village (nearby services)
- Best Time To Visit
- Two Medicine Road is open from late May/early June through mid-October. For lighting, aim for sunrise alpenglow on the eastern faces or spring evenings; avoid midday glare.
- Tips Advice
- Arrive early or late; the paved lot (~20 spaces) fills quickly in peak season.
- The main viewing platform is reached via a short, mostly paved approach (about 0.3 miles) with additional vantage points along the loop.
- Bear spray is recommended; expect occasional grizzly activity and slippery, wet rocks near the water.
- The trail can be slick when wet; wear sturdy footwear and stay on designated paths.
- Cell service is unreliable; download maps offline before you go.
- Insider Tips
- Beat crowds by visiting at dawn or dusk
- Bear spray recommended
- Check Two Medicine Road conditions; weather can close access
- Stay on marked paths; keep distance from wildlife
More details
- Park Area
- Two Medicine, Glacier National Park
- Family Friendly Notes
- Short, easy hike; beware slick rocks and exposed edges near water; supervise children at stream crossings
- Recent Updates
- Seasonal access defined; road open late May–mid-October; viewing platform signage enhanced
- Attraction Type
- Geological Formation
- Elevation Feet
- 5200
- Distance From Entrance
- 10-15 minutes from the Two Medicine entrance/ campground area
- Accessibility Level
- Drive-up viewing with a short paved section (0.3 miles); remainder is a loop with uneven segments; first portion accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
- How To Get There
- From U.S. Highway 2 near East Glacier Park Village, take Two Medicine Road toward the Two Medicine area; park at the trailhead lot and cross the footbridge to the main viewing platform.
- Parking Availability
- Paved lot for ~20 vehicles; fills quickly in peak season; arrive early or late
- Road Type
- Paved to trailhead via Two Medicine Road
- Seasonal Access
- Late May/early June–mid-October
- Entry Fees
- Park entrance fee applies; passes accepted
- Main Features
- Karst-like underground flow in Altyn Formation limestone; upper and lower cascades totaling ~70 ft; surface reemergence via underground channels
- What Youll See
- Waterfall on a limestone cliff; visible underground flow; footbridge viewing platform; loop trail with additional viewpoints; interpretive signs along the path
- Unique Characteristics
- Sacred Blackfeet site; visible underground channels illustrate karst-like processes; two cascade heights integrate surface and subterranean drainage; ancient limestone (Altyn Formation) with late-Cretaceous bedrock nearby
- Safety Considerations
- Bear activity; trail can be slippery when wet; stay back from water’s edge; bear spray recommended; cross at designated areas; irregular cell service
- Best Viewpoints
- Main viewing platform via footbridge; alternate angles along the loop trail
- Photo Opportunities
- Sunrise alpenglow on eastern aspects; long-exposure compositions from the footbridge; close-up shots of the upper cascade when water volume is high
- Photography Spots
- Main viewing platform; loop overlooks; stream-facing angles along the trail
- Stargazing Quality
- Moderate; relatively dark skies away from major roadlights, but campground lights reduce darkness
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Alpenglow at sunrise on eastern faces; expansive ridgeline views at sunset
- Visitor Center Present
- 0
- Restrooms Available
- 1
- Restroom Type
- Vault toilets
- Picnic Areas
- 0
- Interpretive Signs
- 1
- Cell Service
- Limited or unreliable in the Two Medicine area
- Water Available
- 0
- Guided Tours Available
- 0
- Trailheads Here
- Trailhead near Two Medicine area; main viewing via footbridge; loop trail around falls
- Connecting Trails
- Loop around the falls; connections to Two Medicine area trails
- Nearby Services
- Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village; limited services in immediate vicinity
- Common Wildlife
- Deer, elk, various birds; grizzly bears in the region
- Best Wildlife Times
- Early morning and late evening
- Wildflower Peak
- Mid-July to August
- Fall Colors Peak
- Late September to early October
- Geological Formation Type
- Karst-like underground flow in limestone (Altyn Formation)
- Scientific Interest
- Visible underground channels; karst erosion; sacred Blackfeet heritage; 1.5 billion-year-old rock
- Road Opening Dates
- Late May/early June–mid-October
- Snow Lingering
- Snow lingers into late May in some years
- Winter Access
- No winter access; not recommended
- Best Visit Times
- Early morning or late afternoon; spring evenings for alpenglow
- Best Season
- Summer (June–October)
- Weather Patterns
- Warm summers with potential afternoon thunderstorms; bring rain gear and check forecasts
- Peak Fill Times
- Busiest in July–August; parking fills by early morning
- Busiest Season
- July-August
- Waterfall Height
- Lower ~20 ft; upper ~40 ft; total ~70 ft
- Waterfall Flow Rate
- Variable; higher during snowmelt and after rain
- Lake Size
- Not applicable; nearby Two Medicine Lake
- Fishing Species
- Not applicable for fishing; Running Eagle Falls is a spring waterfall that emerges from bedrock, with no documented fish species in this area.
- Fishing Nearby
- 0
- Swimming Allowed
- 0
- Boating Allowed
- 0
- Climbing Areas
- 0
- Review Summary
- Rated 4.9 from 34 reviews; a short, family-friendly stop with a unique karst-like flow and strong cultural significance; crowd levels peak in mid-summer, but the compact loop remains manageable for most visitors
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?
The paved lot holds about 20 vehicles and tends to fill quickly during peak season; arriving early or late gives you a better chance at a nearby spot.
Is it worth the 0.3–0.7 mile stroll to see a waterfall with underground flow?
Yes. The loop is short and gentle, and you’ll witness surface water reemerging from underground channels, a tangible karst-like process with cultural resonance.
Can I bring bear spray?
Bear spray is recommended due to possible grizzly activity; carry it and know how to use it before you hike.
Is the main viewing area accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes—the first 0.3 miles are paved and accessible; the main viewing platform is reachable, but some loop segments are uneven.
Is cell service reliable there?
No—cell signal is unreliable in the Two Medicine area; download maps and trail info beforehand.
More at Glacier National Park
Vulture Peak
Glaciated peak with Precambrian Belt rocks; backcountry scramble to the summit.
Elk Mountain
360° summit views over Belt rocks; a rugged, glacier-carved ascent.
Numa Peak
Numa Peak rises above Bowman Lake; Numa Ridge Lookout reveals vast alpine views.
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.
Mount Vaught
8,854 ft peak in the Livingston Range; scrambling ascent; Belt Supergroup rocks thrust by Lewis Overthrust.
Recommended gear for Glacier National Park
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Sources
- myhikes.org
- trekkingwild.com
- 406.buzz
- hikinginglacier.com
- wanderlog.com
- roamingbearmedia.com
- nationalparkswitht.com
- badassoftheweek.com
- chasingtrailblog.com
- nps.gov
- utahsadventurefamily.com
- alibaba.com
- genuinemontana.com
- campingkiddos.com
- allglacier.com
- northwestwaterfalls.com
- 10adventures.com
- trailforks.com
- airial.travel
- hiiker.app
- 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.