About Paiota Falls
Paiota Falls is a named waterfall in Glacier County, Montana, located about 38 miles northeast of Columbia Falls. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Ahern Pass 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 48°52′20″ N, 113°50′59″ W (48.87212, -113.84976). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Atsina Lake (lake, 0.4 mi), Shepard Glacier (glacier, 0.6 mi), and Cathedral Peak (summit, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Atsina Falls, 0.1 miles to the north.
Weather at Paiota Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Paiota Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Paiota Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Paiota Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Atsina Lake — lake, 0.4 mi
- Shepard Glacier — glacier, 0.6 mi
- Cathedral Peak — summit, 0.8 mi
- Lewis Range — range, 0.8 mi
- Sue Lake — lake, 0.8 mi
- Pyramid Peak — summit, 0.8 mi
- Stoney Indian Pass — gap, 0.9 mi
- Mount Kipp — summit, 1.2 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 48.87212, -113.84976. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Paiota Falls
- Dawn Mist Falls, MT6.3 mi northeast
- Gros Ventre Falls, MT6.4 mi northeast
- Ptarmigan Falls, MT7.2 mi southeast
- Redrock Falls, MT8.3 mi southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Paiota Falls located?
Paiota Falls is in Glacier County, Montana, about 38 miles northeast of Columbia Falls. Its coordinates are 48.87212, -113.84976 (48°52′20″ N, 113°50′59″ W).
What town is closest to Paiota Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Columbia Falls, MT, about 38 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Paiota Falls?
The closest is Atsina Falls (0.1 mi north). Others within reach include Raven Quiver Falls (0.5 mi), Mokowanis Cascade (0.5 mi), and White Quiver Falls (1.9 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Paiota Falls?
Paiota Falls appears on the USGS Ahern Pass 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.