Aster Falls Trail: Easy to Moderate Hike Near Two Medicine

Q: Is water safe to drink from streams?

Water from Aster Creek should be filtered; beaver ponds may require filtration as well.

Q: Is this trail kid-friendly?

Yes for most of the route to Aster Falls; the spur to Aster Park Overlook is steeper and may challenge younger children.

Q: Do I need a permit for day use?

No special permit is required for day use; a Glacier National Park entrance fee applies.

Q: What gear should I bring?

Water, bear spray, sturdy footwear, hiking poles for the overlook spur, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Q: When is the best time to see wildflowers?

Mid-summer through early fall (July–September) typically offers the best bloom and stable weather.

Q: Is there a shuttle to the trailhead?

No shuttle is required for this trail itself; park shuttles run on other Glacier routes and may help you reach the area.

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Overview

About This Trail

Walk the forest path to Aster Falls and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and beaver ponds. The route is mostly packed dirt with gentle elevation, suitable for families and first-time hikers.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy to moderate

Hike If / Skip If

Best for casual hikers, families with kids, and visitors with limited time. It is an out-and-back route through shaded forest with some open meadows and a few stream crossings; plan 1–2 hours and carry bear spray, water, and snacks.

Trail Highlights

Multi-tiered Aster Falls with views of Painted Tepee Peak, Sinopah Mountain, Lone Walker Mountain, and Mt. Helen; beaver ponds along the route and occasional wildlife sightings.

The Sweat Reality

Difficulty is easy to moderate. The route is an out-and-back 2.8–4 miles with 200–320 feet of gain; typical hike time is 1–2 hours for the main falls, plus extra for detours.

The Arrival Protocol

Park at the South Shore Trailhead at the eastern end of Two Medicine Lake. The main lot holds about 60 vehicles; overflow occurs at the general store lot or along the road. Peak season fills quickly, so arrive early. There is no dedicated shuttle to Two Medicine; visitors either drive or use Glacier National Park’s general shuttle where available.

The Payoff

Photo opportunities include Aster Falls from the upper viewing area, and the surrounding peaks—Painted Tepee Peak, Sinopah Mountain, Lone Walker Mountain, and Mt. Helen—from nearby meadows and overlooks. Beaver ponds along the trail reflect light in the morning; bring a 70–300mm lens for wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens helps capture the falls and forest canopy.

Insider Tips

• Start early for wildlife viewing and fewer crowds • Carry 2 liters water minimum • Bear spray recommended • Trekking poles helpful for the overlook spur • Bug spray in summer near water

Best Season to Hike

Mid- to late summer (July-September)

Hiking Tips

Tighten your boots.
Carry 2L water minimum.
Bear spray is highly recommended.
Trekking poles helpful for the overlook spur.
Bug spray in summer near water sources.

Family Info

Generally suitable for families; the trail to Aster Falls is flat and well-defined; the steeper overlook spur may challenge younger children

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 3.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 200 ft

Duration: 2.8-4 miles round-trip; 1-3 hours typical; up to 4 hours for the 4-mile variant.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Packed dirt with some tree roots and uneven sections

Getting There

Trailhead: South Shore Trailhead at the far east end of Two Medicine Lake, near the boat dock and rental kiosk

Parking: Main lot ~60 vehicles; overflow available at the general store or along the road

Fills Up: Parking ample at 9 AM; fills by afternoon; arrive early to secure space

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Glacier National Park entrance fee applies

Fees: Glacier National Park entrance fee

Shuttle Available

Glacier National Park shuttle services exist on Going-to-the-Sun Road (late June–Labor Day) and East Side Shuttle (June–September); not mandatory for Aster Falls trail itself

Trail Rules

Trail Markers: Well-marked; carry a basic map for the extension route

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Aster Creek crosses; water present in beaver ponds; filter creek water recommended

Shade: Partial shade in the beginning; more sun exposure later

Cell Service: Unknown; generally spotty within Glacier National Park

Hazards:

Bear and moose presence; slippery rocks near waterfall; steeper sections on the Aster Park Overlook spur

Emergency: Glacier National Park rangers; call 911

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Generally less crowded than other Glacier areas

Peak Times: Mid-day on weekends; mornings are quieter

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Mostly easy with a steeper spur to Aster Park Overlook; not wheelchair accessible

Family Notes:

Generally suitable for families; the trail to Aster Falls is flat and well-defined; the steeper overlook spur may challenge younger children

Nearby Facilities

Two Medicine Lake parking lot; general store; boat dock; rental kiosk

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 27 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

It is an easy hike, if you want it to be a longer hike it can be. There are about 4 different trails, but they all go along the same path, you just keep walking if you want to go to the other spot. There are moose, so be aware. If you want to go somewhere quieter, go to the two medicine side.

Access this trail from the south shore trail. Relatively easy trail to hike with limited elevation changes - the first portion of the trail has the most slope. Park in the main parking lot by the lake and gift shop. Arrive by 10ish to get a parking spot.

Use the sputh shore trailhead at two medicine lake to start your trip to aster falls. Roughly a half mile from the trailhead you will arrive at the first in a series of beaver marshes. This is a great spot for sighting moose especially in the mornings as well as early evenings. I just missed seeing a mother moose and her baby at the jinction of paradise point spur and the main trail. A 1.1 miles into the hike you will cross a bridge of aster creek and in a short distance you will find a trail that leads off to the left. Take this trail for a short distance to get to the falls and if you want you can continue on this trail to aster park.

Showing 3 of 27 reviews

FAQs

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. Bear spray is recommended; make noise and store food properly; stay alert near beaver ponds.

Is water safe to drink from streams?

Is this trail kid-friendly?

Do I need a permit for day use?

What gear should I bring?

When is the best time to see wildflowers?

Is there a shuttle to the trailhead?

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Aster Falls