Apikuni Falls

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is famous for excellent scenery and incredible dayhikes and the short but scenic trail to Apikuni Falls is no exception—if you find yourself in the Many Glacier area of the park do not miss the chance to scramble to the base of this magnificent waterfall, one of the park’s best kept secrets.

The hike begins by crossing through a wildflower meadow below the forested slopes of Apikuni Mountain—once the trail enters the aspen and subalpine forest the steep trail begins its climb to the boulder strewn cascades of Apikuni Creek and the approximately 300 ft falls.

Pace yourself as you climb along the rocky path and you will eventually reach an open area where the trail levels out and views of towering limestone walls dominate the landscape—the path soon becomes primitive as it makes its way to the sinuous ribbon of water pouring through a cleft below Natahki Lake.

The cascades below the falls are the perfect place to set up a tripod and do some slow shutter work, but don’t miss out on hiking to the very base of Apikuni Falls—getting there requires a bit of scrambling but the views are worth the effort. Simply continue hiking over and around the boulders along the banks of Apikuni Creek until you reach the plunge pool—your footing might not be as sure as the agile mountain goats and bighorn sheep that are often seen climbing precariously on the desolate cliffs, but shouldn’t stop you from exploring the area.