Running Eagle Falls

Water pours from a limestone cliff; underground flow surfaces.

Insider tip

Beat crowds by visiting at dawn or dusk

Insider tip

Bear spray recommended

The light

Alpenglow at sunrise on eastern faces; expansive ridgeline views at sunset

Heads up

Bear activity; trail can be slippery when wet; stay back from water’s edge; bear spray recommended; cross at designated areas; irregular cell service

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.9
Geological Formation5,200 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

YOUR VISIT, YOUR WAY

What would you love to do here?

A waterfall without committing your whole day to a hike: Running Eagle Falls is a short Two Medicine nature-trail visit. Access alert: NPS plans a road closure at this trailhead from September 8, 2026, moving to Highway 49 later in September. Check which trail access remains possible before setting out.

A short waterfall walk

Make the waterfall your main stop, then return the way you came. NPS lists 0.3 mile one way; check the stabilized-soil path and current access if using a wheelchair or stroller.

Running Eagle Falls Trailhead in Two Medicine · Low effort

With children

Keep children together on the path and allow pauses rather than setting a fast walking pace. Check the surface and closure notices before bringing a stroller.

Waterfall and photography stop

Leave room to linger at the waterfall instead of rushing to another stop. This uses the same nature trail, not a separate longer hike; keep your schedule flexible around road and trail closures.

Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail · Low effort

With children

Take turns looking and photographing while an adult stays with children. Remain on the designated route and follow posted water-edge guidance.

Saved choices are ideas, not reservations. Check current access, conditions and opening times before travel.

Planning sources · checked September 7, 2026

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.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

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

When to go

Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon; spring evenings for alpenglow
Peak Fill Times
Busiest in July–August; parking fills by early morning

Getting there and doing it

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

Explore your choices Choose your visit options.

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
10-15 minutes from the Two Medicine entrance/ campground area
Road Type
Paved to trailhead via Two Medicine Road
GPS Coordinates
Not publicly listed; located in the Two Medicine area of Glacier NP

When to go

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.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow at sunrise on eastern faces; expansive ridgeline views at sunset
Best Season
Summer (June–October)
Busiest Season
July-August
Seasonal Access
Late May/early June–mid-October
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
Weather Patterns
Warm summers with potential afternoon thunderstorms; bring rain gear and check forecasts
Wildflower Peak
Mid-July to August
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to early October

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Karst-like underground flow in Altyn Formation limestone; upper and lower cascades totaling ~70 ft; surface reemergence via underground channels
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
Best Viewpoints
Main viewing platform via footbridge; alternate angles along the loop trail
Common Wildlife
Deer, elk, various birds; grizzly bears in the region
Best Wildlife Times
Early morning and late evening
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
Stargazing Quality
Moderate; relatively dark skies away from major roadlights, but campground lights reduce darkness

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Park entrance fee applies; passes accepted
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Limited or unreliable in the Two Medicine area
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Trail largely paved for the first 0.3 miles; remainder includes loop with uneven sections; some accessible segments exist
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
Nearby Services
Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village; limited services in immediate vicinity
Nearby Facilities
Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village (nearby services)
Family Friendly Notes
Short, easy hike; beware slick rocks and exposed edges near water; supervise children at stream crossings

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Two Medicine Lake, Lower Two Medicine Lake, Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village
Connecting Trails
Loop around the falls; connections to Two Medicine area trails
Trailheads Here
Trailhead near Two Medicine area; main viewing via footbridge; loop trail around falls

Planning advice

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
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.

More details

Park Area
Two Medicine, Glacier National Park
Recent Updates
Seasonal access defined; road open late May–mid-October; viewing platform signage enhanced
Elevation Feet
5200
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
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
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
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

Running Eagle Falls in Glacier National Park, a scenic river setting with evergreen trees and a distant mountain backdrop.Running Eagle Falls at Glacier National Park, a notable waterfall along the forested canyon landscape.Running Eagle Falls cascades beside a forested valley with snow-capped peaks in Glacier National Park.Running Eagle Falls cascades through rocky terrain surrounded by pines in Glacier National Park.

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.

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.

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

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.