Aster Falls

Easy to moderate out-and-back near Two Medicine Lake. Start early to beat crowds and weather.

Insider tip

Start early for wildlife viewing and fewer crowds

Insider tip

Carry 2 liters water minimum

When to come

July–September for best wildflowers and clearer conditions; dawn to avoid crowds and afternoon storms.

Trail

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.9

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
3.4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty
easy
Difficulty Level
Easy to moderate

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT WALK

Is this the right hike for your day?

Why choose this hike?

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.
Best For
  • Families with kids
  • Casual hikers
  • Wildlife enthusiasts

What the outing demands

Effort Verdict
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.
Estimated Time
2.8-4 miles round-trip; 1-3 hours typical; up to 4 hours for the 4-mile variant.

Where and when it fits the day

Trailhead Location
South Shore Trailhead at the far east end of Two Medicine Lake, near the boat dock and rental kiosk
Best Time To Visit
July–September for best wildflowers and clearer conditions; dawn to avoid crowds and afternoon storms.

Trail profile

Distance Miles
3.4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty
easy
Difficulty Level
Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
200
Trail Surface
Packed dirt with some tree roots and uneven sections
Trail Features
  • Aster Falls (multi-tiered waterfall)
  • Paradise Point overlook of Two Medicine Lake
  • Beaver ponds
  • Wildflowers
  • Wildlife sightings (moose, bears, beaver, birds)

Trailhead & access

Parking Lot Size
Main lot ~60 vehicles; overflow available at the general store or along the road
Parking Fill Time
Parking ample at 9 AM; fills by afternoon; arrive early to secure space
Shuttle Details
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

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
Glacier National Park entrance fee applies
Fees
Glacier National Park entrance fee
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Road to Two Medicine typically closes by mid-October and reopens by late May. Snowshoeing to the trailhead is possible but very long (~20 miles roundtrip).

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
Yes
Water Sources
Aster Creek crosses; water present in beaver ponds; filter creek water recommended
Accessibility
Mostly easy with a steeper spur to Aster Park Overlook; not wheelchair accessible

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear country
  • Wildlife encounters (moose, bears)
  • Slippery rocks near the waterfall
Cell Service
Unknown; generally spotty within Glacier National Park
Crowd Level
Generally less crowded than other Glacier areas
Peak Crowd Times
Mid-day on weekends; mornings are quieter
Parking Strategy
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.
Ideal Hiker Profile
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.
Best Season
Mid- to late summer (July-September)
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Trail Markers
Well-marked; carry a basic map for the extension route
Shade Level
Partial shade in the beginning; more sun exposure later
Emergency Contacts
Glacier National Park rangers; call 911
Map Recommended
Yes
Snow Dates
Road to Two Medicine closes mid-October; reopens late May
Mud Season
Late spring and early fall due to snowmelt and rain
Wildflower Peak
July-September
Bug Season
Mosquitoes can be significant in summer near water
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
Family Friendly 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
Photo Ops
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.
Review Summary
Hikers call it an easy, family-friendly hike with waterfalls and wildlife potential. The Aster Park Overlook spur is steeper than some expect; the Aster Falls section may be less dramatic than other Glacier hikes.

Location

Aster Falls overlook in Glacier National Park offers a sweeping valley view over a lake and rugged mountains.Aster Falls along the Aster Park Trail in Glacier National Park, with a forested path and distant mountains.Aster Falls trail winds through evergreen forest in Glacier National Park, with a distant snow-capped peak visible.Aster Falls in Glacier National Park flows beside a grassy wetland with pine forest backdrop.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

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.

Do I need a permit for day use?

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

What gear should I bring?

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

When is the best time to see wildflowers?

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

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.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead

5.65 miles round-trip, 757 ft gain. Pack water, bear spray, and start before dawn to beat crowds.

Apikuni Falls Trail

Steep waterfall crusher: 0.8 miles, 651ft elevation gain. Short burst, big payoff.

Swiftcurrent Lake Trail

Flat 2.6-mile loop. Lake views, historic buildings, accessibility options. Start early to dodge crowds.

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.