5 Must-See Waterfalls in Montana (2026)
If you only have time for five Montana waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Northwest Montana and the Bitterroot, Glacier National Park and the Flathead, and Southwest Montana: Gallatin, Absaroka and Beartooth.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Montana waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Kootenai Falls
Libby, MT · Lincoln County · Northwest Montana and the Bitterroot
Why it is a must-see
With 137 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Montana, and it holds 4.8 stars. Expect Kootenai Falls, beautiful area, and amazing view, the topics reviewers bring up most. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Yaak Falls. 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.
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2. Skalkaho Falls
Hamilton, MT · Ravalli County · Northwest Montana and the Bitterroot
Why it is a must-see
With 108 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Montana, and it holds 4.8 stars. Expect magnificent falls, scenic drive, and roadside location, the topics reviewers bring up most. 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.
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3. Virginia Falls
North Browning, MT · Glacier County · Glacier National Park and the Flathead
Why it is a must-see
With 95 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Montana, and it holds 4.9 stars. In short: "Accessed by a hike through the forest, this stunning waterfall is a celebrated spot for relaxing." 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Saint Mary Falls and Deadwood Falls. 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.
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4. Ousel Falls
Big Sky, MT · Gallatin County · Southwest Montana: Gallatin, Absaroka and Beartooth
Why it is a must-see
With 92 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Montana, and it holds 4.9 stars. 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Cedar Falls and Hoodoo Cascade. 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.
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5. Yaak Falls
Libby, MT · Lincoln County · Northwest Montana and the Bitterroot
Why it is a must-see
With 59 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in Montana, and it holds 4.8 stars. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Kootenai Falls and Moyie Falls. It is one of 30 named falls in the Northwest Montana and the Bitterroot region. The nearest town is Libby, about 23 miles to the southeast.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 444 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Virginia Falls (start, near North Browning)
- Kootenai Falls, about 99 mi west
- Yaak Falls, about 14 mi northwest
- Skalkaho Falls, about 191 mi southeast
- Ousel Falls, about 139 mi 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.
Explore More Montana Waterfalls
See all 120 waterfalls in the Montana waterfall guide, or browse by town: Libby, Hamilton, North Browning, Big Sky.
More Montana Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see 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?
These are the five most visited Montana waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 444 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
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.
Where are the most waterfalls in Montana?
Glacier National Park and the surrounding Flathead area hold the largest share, with Glacier and Flathead counties accounting for 47 of the state's 120 named falls in our directory. The Bozeman and Big Sky area is the next largest cluster.