Aster Falls Trail: Easy to Moderate Hike Near Two Medicine

Aster Falls cascades through a rocky gorge in Glacier National Park, framed by evergreen trees and a bright blue sky above.

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

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 3.4
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: easy
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 200
Estimated Time: 2.8-4 miles round-trip; 1-3 hours typical; up to 4 hours for the 4-mile variant.
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)
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: South Shore Trailhead at the far east end of Two Medicine Lake, near the boat dock and rental kiosk
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: 1
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
Hazard Details: Bear and moose presence; slippery rocks near waterfall; steeper sections on the Aster Park Overlook spur
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.
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.
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)
Best Time To Visit: July–September for best wildflowers and clearer conditions; dawn to avoid crowds and afternoon storms.
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: 1
Best For: Families with kids
Casual hikers
Wildlife enthusiasts
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.