Hiking to Apikuni Falls: A Family-Friendly Hike in Glacier National Park

Hiking to Apikuni Falls in Glacier National Park is a short but rewarding adventure that delivers stunning mountain scenery with relatively little effort. Located in the park's spectacular Many Glacier region, the Apikuni Falls Trail climbs steadily through open forests and wildflower-covered hillsides before reaching a dramatic viewpoint of the 100-foot waterfall as it plunges from the towering cliffs of Apikuni Mountain. Along the way, hikers are treated to sweeping views of Swiftcurrent Valley, Glacier National Park's rugged peaks, and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife, including bighorn sheep, moose, and bears. With its easy access, beautiful scenery, and impressive waterfall, the hike to Apikuni Falls is one of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park and a perfect addition to any Many Glacier itinerary.

Trailhead elevation 4,921'

Water filterable from Apikuni Falls

Don't miss visiting early in the morning before the sun's light reaches the cliffs

Hiking to Apikuni Falls

The trail begins from the Apikuni Falls Trailhead, located approximately 1.1 miles east of Many Glacier Hotel along the Many Glacier Road. Parking accommodates around ten vehicles and rarely fills to capacity.

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Despite its short length, the trail offers impressive mountain scenery. Towering directly overhead is Mount Altyn, whose sheer limestone cliffs dominate the skyline throughout much of the hike. The mountain's dramatic east face rises thousands of feet above the valley floor and showcases classic glacial erosion.

Almost immediately, hikers begin climbing through a mixed forest of Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, spruce, and aspen. During autumn, the scattered aspen trees turn brilliant shades of gold, making this one of the area's best short fall hikes. The first half-mile consists primarily of switchbacks that steadily gain elevation while following the course of Apikuni Creek, whose rushing water can often be heard long before it's seen.

About halfway up the trail, the forest briefly opens onto a rocky hillside where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views over the Many Glacier Valley. This section also provides one of the best opportunities to appreciate the immense scale of Mount Altyn rising directly overhead. The exposed slope can become quite warm during summer afternoons, so beginning the hike early in the morning often provides cooler temperatures and softer lighting for photography.

As the trail nears the waterfall, Apikuni Mountain (9,068 feet) comes into view above the falls. The waterfall originates from snowfields high on the mountain and is especially powerful during late spring and early summer as seasonal snow melts.

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Because the trail passes through a mixture of forest, rocky slopes, and open meadows, wildlife sightings are common. Visitors frequently encounter mule deer, Bighorn sheep, marmoset, ground squirrels, Clark's nutcrackers, and Stellar's jays. Black bears and grizzly bears also inhabit the area, particularly during berry season later in the summer.

Near the end of the trail, the roar of the waterfall grows louder before Apikuni Falls suddenly comes into view. Dropping roughly 100 feet over a series of limestone ledges, the waterfall crashes into Apikuni Creek before continuing toward Lake Sherburne below. During peak snowmelt, the volume of water is impressive, while later in the summer the flow becomes more delicate but remains photogenic.

Although many visitors photograph the falls from the main viewing area, adventurous photographers often experiment with longer focal lengths to isolate sections of the cascade framed by moss-covered cliffs and evergreen trees. Apikuni Falls faces generally east, making morning the best time to photograph the waterfall before harsh afternoon sunlight reaches the cliffs.

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The waterfall derives its name from Apikuni Mountain, which honors James Willard Schultz, one of Glacier's earliest guides, explorers, and authors. Schultz lived among the Blackfeet during the early 1880s and was given the Blackfeet name Apikuni, meaning "Spotted Robe." His writings helped preserve Blackfeet history and culture while introducing much of the country to the spectacular landscapes that would later become Glacier National Park.

For such a short hike, the Apikuni Falls Trail delivers an exceptional combination of scenery, abundant wildlife, and one of the park's most beautiful waterfalls. It's a fantastic hike for visitors looking to experience the grandeur of the Many Glacier region without committing to an all-day trek.