10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Montana (2026 Updated)
Ranked by what visitors photograph and rate five stars, these are the 10 most beautiful of Montana's 120 named waterfalls, starting with Kootenai Falls. The list spans the Northwest Montana and the Bitterroot, Glacier National Park and the Flathead, and Southwest Montana: Gallatin, Absaroka and Beartooth.
How We Picked
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 43 publicly accessible Montana waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
-
1. Kootenai Falls
Libby, MT · Lincoln County · Northwest Montana and the Bitterroot
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 429 photos of it on Google, about 3.1 for every review. 89% of its 137 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). Reviewers single out its beautiful area, amazing view, and beautiful scenery. The setting includes Shannon Lake (lake, 1.7 mi) and Kootenai Mountain (summit, 1.9 mi). It is one of 30 named falls in the Northwest Montana and the Bitterroot region. The nearest town is Libby, about 11 miles to the southeast.
-
2. Virginia Falls
North Browning, MT · Glacier County · Glacier National Park and the Flathead
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 578 photos of it on Google, about 6.1 for every review. 93% of its 95 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Accessed by a hike through the forest, this stunning waterfall is a celebrated spot for relaxing." The setting includes Dusty Star Mountain (summit, 1.2 mi) and Little Chief Mountain (summit, 1.4 mi). It is one of 51 named falls in the Glacier National Park and the Flathead region. The nearest town is North Browning, about 28 miles to the east.
-
3. McDonald Falls
Columbia Falls, MT · Flathead County · Glacier National Park and the Flathead
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 361 photos of it on Google, about 6.8 for every review. 81% of its 53 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). Reviewers single out its viewpoint, beautiful area, and views. The setting includes Johns Lake (lake, 0.3 mi) and Moose Country Pond (lake, 0.8 mi). It is one of 51 named falls in the Glacier National Park and the Flathead region. The nearest town is Columbia Falls, about 24 miles to the southwest.
-
4. Skalkaho Falls
Hamilton, MT · Ravalli County · Northwest Montana and the Bitterroot
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 249 photos of it on Google, about 2.3 for every review. 84% of its 108 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). Reviewers single out its scenic drive, photo opportunities, and scenery. The setting includes Skalkaho Basin (basin, 1.6 mi). It is one of 30 named falls in the Northwest Montana and the Bitterroot region. The nearest town is Hamilton, about 16 miles to the west.
-
5. Grotto Falls
Four Corners, MT · Gallatin County · Southwest Montana: Gallatin, Absaroka and Beartooth
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 195 photos of it on Google, about 3.5 for every review. 88% of its 56 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). Reviewers single out its canyon, beautiful scenery, and stunning waterfall. The setting includes Arch Falls Natural Bridge (arch, 0.6 mi) and Flanders Mountain (summit, 0.9 mi). It is one of 29 named falls in the Southwest Montana: Gallatin, Absaroka and Beartooth region. The nearest town is Four Corners, about 17 miles to the northwest.
-
6. Running Eagle Falls
North Browning, MT · Glacier County · Glacier National Park and the Flathead
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 264 photos of it on Google, about 6.3 for every review. 90% of its 42 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Locale for scenic hikes on a beginner-friendly trail with a stream crossing, waterfall & rocky pool." The setting includes Running Eagle Falls Natural Bridge (arch, under 0.1 mi) and Pray Lake (lake, 0.8 mi). It is one of 51 named falls in the Glacier National Park and the Flathead region. The nearest town is North Browning, about 16 miles to the east.
-
7. Ousel Falls
Big Sky, MT · Gallatin County · Southwest Montana: Gallatin, Absaroka and Beartooth
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 314 photos of it on Google, about 3.4 for every review. 98% of its 92 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). It is one of 29 named falls in the Southwest Montana: Gallatin, Absaroka and Beartooth region. The nearest town is Big Sky, about 3.4 miles to the north.
-
8. Memorial Falls
White Sulphur Springs, MT · Cascade County · Rocky Mountain Front and the Missouri
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 149 photos of it on Google, about 5.3 for every review. 86% of its 28 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Reviewers single out its scenery. The setting includes Hidden Canyon (valley, 0.3 mi) and Narrow Gauge Gulch (valley, 1.4 mi). It is one of 10 named falls in the Rocky Mountain Front and the Missouri region. The nearest town is White Sulphur Springs, about 27 miles to the south.
-
9. Redrock Falls
North Browning, MT · Glacier County · Glacier National Park and the Flathead
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 308 photos of it on Google, about 7.0 for every review. 86% of its 44 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). The setting includes Redrock Lake (lake, 0.2 mi) and Fishercap Lake (lake, 1.2 mi). It is one of 51 named falls in the Glacier National Park and the Flathead region. The nearest town is North Browning, about 36 miles to the southeast.
-
10. Apikuni Falls
North Browning, MT · Glacier County · Glacier National Park and the Flathead
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 158 photos of it on Google, about 5.3 for every review. 93% of its 30 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). The setting includes Altyn Peak (summit, 0.6 mi) and Natahki Lake (lake, 1.2 mi). It is one of 51 named falls in the Glacier National Park and the Flathead region. The nearest town is North Browning, about 33 miles to the southeast.
When to Visit Montana's Waterfalls
Montana's falls follow the mountain snowpack. Peak flows usually arrive from late May through June, when warm weather melts high-elevation snow, and some falls can be dangerously powerful then. July offers the best combination of strong water and open high-country access; in Glacier National Park, the full Going-to-the-Sun Road often does not open until late June or July because of the time needed to clear snow. By late August and September, flows decline, but larch and aspen color in late September is a strong draw. Winter closes many mountain roads, including the Skalkaho Highway, and falls in Hyalite Canyon and elsewhere freeze into ice climbing routes.
Before You Go
Most of Montana's falls lie in Glacier National Park or in national forests such as the Flathead, Kootenai, Bitterroot, Lolo and Custer Gallatin, with a few in state parks and city parks. Glacier National Park has used a seasonal vehicle reservation system for some areas in recent summers, so checking current entry rules is essential. Popular trailheads in Glacier and Hyalite Canyon fill early on summer days. Grizzly and black bears are present across western Montana; carrying bear spray, hiking in groups and making noise are standard. Snowmelt streams are cold and swift, and rocks near falls are slick. Mountain weather changes quickly, with afternoon thunderstorms in summer and snow possible in any month at higher elevations.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. For better pictures, see our waterfall photography tips.
Explore More Montana Waterfalls
See all 120 waterfalls in the Montana waterfall guide, or browse by town: Libby, North Browning, Columbia Falls, Hamilton, Four Corners, Big Sky, White Sulphur Springs.
More Montana Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful waterfall in Montana?
Kootenai Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 137 Google reviews. It is near Libby in Lincoln County.
How was this list made?
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 43 publicly accessible Montana waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views.
How many waterfalls are in Montana?
Our directory lists 120 named waterfalls in Montana. See them all, sorted by town, in the Montana waterfall guide.
How did the city of Great Falls get its name?
It is named for the series of Missouri River falls that Lewis and Clark had to portage around in 1805. Several of those falls have since been altered by hydroelectric dams, but they can still be viewed from riverside parks.