Running Eagle Falls: Spring Waterfall in Glacier National Park

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Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

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

Best Season

Summer (June–October)

Busiest Season

July-August

Features

Karst-like underground flow in Altyn Formation limestone; upper and lower cascades totaling ~70 ft; surface reemergence via underground channels

Elevation

5,200 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

5,200 ft

Access

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

Main Features

Karst-like underground flow in Altyn Formation limestone; upper and lower cascades totaling ~70 ft; surface reemergence via underground channels

What You'll See

Waterfall on a limestone cliff; visible underground flow; footbridge viewing platform; loop trail with additional viewpoints; interpretive signs along the path

What Makes It Special

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

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.

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

Visitor Tips

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.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 5,200 ft

Distance from Entrance: 10-15 minutes from the Two Medicine entrance/ campground area

GPS: Not publicly listed; located in the Two Medicine area of Glacier NP

What Makes It Unique:

Water Feature Details

Height: Lower ~20 ft; upper ~40 ft; total ~70 ft

Size: Not applicable; nearby Two Medicine Lake

Flow/Best Viewing: Variable; higher during snowmelt and after rain

Fish Species: Not specified

Geology

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

Getting There

Directions:

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.

Access Type: 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

Road: Paved to trailhead via Two Medicine Road

Seasonal Access: Late May/early June–mid-October

Parking: Paved lot for ~20 vehicles; fills quickly in peak season; arrive early or late

Entry Fees: Park entrance fee applies; passes accepted

Trails

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

Photography & Viewing

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

Best Photo Spots:

Main viewing platform; loop overlooks; stream-facing angles along the trail

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow at sunrise on eastern faces; expansive ridgeline views at sunset

Stargazing: Moderate; relatively dark skies away from major roadlights, but campground lights reduce darkness

Facilities

Restrooms (Vault toilets)
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Limited or unreliable in the Two Medicine area

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Deer, elk, various birds; grizzly bears in the region

Best Wildlife Viewing: Early morning and late evening

Wildflower Peak: Mid-July to August

Fall Colors Peak: Late September to early October

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Summer (June–October)

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon; spring evenings for alpenglow

Road Opens: Late May/early June–mid-October

Busiest: July-August

Parking Fills: Busiest in July–August; parking fills by early morning

Snow Until: Snow lingers into late May in some years

Winter Access: No winter access; not recommended

Weather:

Warm summers with potential afternoon thunderstorms; bring rain gear and check forecasts

Activities

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Two Medicine Lake, Lower Two Medicine Lake, Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village

Nearby Services:

Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village; limited services in immediate vicinity

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

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Trail largely paved for the first 0.3 miles; remainder includes loop with uneven sections; some accessible segments exist

Family Friendly:

Short, easy hike; beware slick rocks and exposed edges near water; supervise children at stream crossings

Nearby Facilities:

Two Medicine Campground; East Glacier Park Village (nearby services)

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 34 Google reviews

Based on 34 guest reviews

" 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"

Reviews from Google

Very easy trail. It is a quick walk to the waterfall. Pretty spectacular waterfall coming out of the hillside, good swimming hole for hot days. Not a lot of people there.

It's a nice and quiet place to enjoy the nature. The eagle falls itself is probably the top attraction but I also liked the nature trail.

Easy, flat trail that is partially paved. The waterfall is gorgeous and the creek is a great place to cool your feet off on a hot day. We went early and it wasn’t crowded.

Showing 3 of 34 reviews

FAQs

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?

Can I bring bear spray?

Is the main viewing area accessible for wheelchairs?

Is cell service reliable there?