Columbia Mountain Trailhead

About 12 miles round trip to the summit, waterfalls in the first 4 miles. Flathead National Forest, bear country.

Insider tip

- Most hikers go out-and-back; turning around at the waterfalls in the first four miles keeps it a half day - Start early to avoid heat and afternoon storms - Bring bear spray and…

When to come

Late spring through fall (roughly July–September) when snow has melted; start early to beat heat or afternoon storms.

Trail

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.7

Columbia Mountain Trail #51 starts at the Berne Road trailhead east of Columbia Falls in the Flathead National Forest, not inside Glacier. The first four miles pass several waterfalls and make a good shorter hike; the full out-and-back to the 7,234-foot summit runs about 12 miles round trip with roughly 4,000 feet of climbing over loose, exposed terrain. It is bear country with little cell service: start early, carry at least 2 liters of water per person, and bring bear spray.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
12
Route Type
Out-and-back to the summit (about 12 miles round trip); the first ~5 miles of Trail #51 reach a ridge junction with Alpine Trail #7, which experienced hikers sometimes use for a longer loop
Difficulty Level
Technical Scramble / Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
4000

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT WALK

Is this the right hike for your day?

Why choose this hike?

Trail Highlights
Waterfalls, Flathead Valley vistas, and wildflower meadows
Best For
  • Serious day hikers seeking a challenging scramble with expansive Flathead Valley views
  • Hikers prepared for a long, steep ascent and bear country

What the outing demands

Estimated Time
Summit out-and-back: 6-9 hours for fit hikers; waterfall turnaround: 2-4 hours

Where and when it fits the day

Trailhead Location
North end of Berne Road: from Columbia Falls take US-2 east about 3.5 miles past the MT-206 junction, turn onto the unmarked dirt road just after the House of Mystery and follow it 0.2 mile to the trailhead on the left
Best Time To Visit
Late spring through fall (roughly July–September) when snow has melted; start early to beat heat or afternoon storms.

Trail profile

Distance Miles
12
Route Type
Out-and-back to the summit (about 12 miles round trip); the first ~5 miles of Trail #51 reach a ridge junction with Alpine Trail #7, which experienced hikers sometimes use for a longer loop
Difficulty Level
Technical Scramble / Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
4000
Trail Surface
Loose scree and rocky; some packed dirt; possible ice patches early season
Trail Features
  • Waterfalls (spring/early summer)
  • Panoramic views of the Flathead Valley
  • Surrounding mountain ranges
  • Wildflower meadows

Trailhead & access

Parking Lot Size
Small dirt lot
Parking Fill Time
Full by weekend mornings; arrive early
Shuttle Required
No
Shuttle Details
No shuttle service available for this specific trailhead.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
No
Permit Details
No permit or fee. This is a Flathead National Forest trail; Glacier National Park entrance fees do not apply.
Fees
None (Flathead National Forest trail)
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Snow can linger into early July at higher elevations; early snowfalls can occur in September; mud season in spring

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
No
Water Sources
Not consistently reliable; carry at least 2 liters per person
Accessibility
Rugged, steep, loose terrain; not suitable for mobility-impaired hikers

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear encounters
  • Unpredictable weather
  • Steep drop-offs
  • Loose footing
  • Ice patches (seasonal)
Cell Service
Unreliable to non-existent
Crowd Level
Local-favorite; trailhead can get busy
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends, late morning to early afternoon
Best Season
Late spring through fall (roughly July–September)
Tips Advice
  • Tighten your boots and test laces at the trailhead
  • Carry at least 2 liters of water per person
  • Trekking poles recommended on loose scree
  • Map and compass; cell service unreliable
  • Bear spray and knowledge of use
  • Start cold; warm up as you ascend

More details

Park Area
Flathead National Forest, east of Columbia Falls (outside Glacier National Park)
Trail Markers
Limited signage; carry map and compass
Shade Level
Mixed: lower canopy; upper slopes exposed
Emergency Contacts
Call 911 (Flathead County). Flathead National Forest, Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District: 406-387-3800
Map Recommended
Yes
Snow Dates
Snow can linger into early July at higher elevations; early snowfalls can occur in September
Mud Season
Spring and early summer
Bug Season
Mosquitoes can be intense near water sources; bring insect repellent
Insider Tips
- Most hikers go out-and-back; turning around at the waterfalls in the first four miles keeps it a half day - Start early to avoid heat and afternoon storms - Bring bear spray and practice using it in a safe area - Cell service is unreliable; carry a map
Family Friendly Notes
Not recommended for very young children due to steep, loose, exposed terrain; shorter out-and-back to initial waterfalls may be suitable for some families
Nearby Facilities
No facilities at trailhead; nearest services in Columbia Falls
Review Summary
Hikers say the climb is brutal but worth the waterfalls and valley views. Common complaints include the steep, loose terrain, poor cell service, and lack of facilities; smoky conditions from nearby fires can affect air quality.

Location

Columbia Mountain Trailhead at Glacier National Park shows a mossy rock ledge with a small waterfall and a rocky, wet trailbed.Columbia Mountain Trailhead overlooks a broad valley with forests and distant mountains in Glacier National Park.Columbia Mountain Trailhead overlook in Glacier National Park reveals forested slopes and snow-capped peaks.Columbia Mountain Trailhead at Glacier National Park reveals a forest trail with a mossy waterfall cascading over rocks.Columbia Mountain Trailhead scene in Glacier National Park shows a rocky waterfall along a forested trail.

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail suitable for beginners?

No. The full summit route climbs roughly 4,000 feet on steep, loose, exposed terrain. Beginners can still enjoy the gentler first miles to the waterfalls and turn around.

Is Columbia Mountain a loop?

The standard route is an out-and-back on Trail #51: about 12 miles round trip to the summit, or a shorter turnaround at the waterfalls in the first four miles. A loop is possible for experienced hikers by connecting to Alpine Trail #7 on the ridge, but it adds mileage and route-finding.

How long does the hike take?

Plan 6-9 hours for the full summit out-and-back; the waterfall turnaround takes roughly 2-4 hours.

Are bears common on this trail?

Yes. It runs through bear country; carry bear spray and maintain loud, seen-in-the-wild behavior; store food properly.

Is water available along the route?

Water sources are unreliable; carry at least 2 liters per person from the start and plan for a dry stretch.

Do I need a permit to hike this trail?

No permit or fee. The trailhead is on Flathead National Forest land east of Columbia Falls, outside Glacier National Park, so park entrance fees do not apply.

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.