Waterfall · Glacier County, Montana

Ptarmigan Falls

Waterfall about 36 miles northwest of North Browning, MT.

Photo of Redrock Falls, a waterfall 1.8 miles from Ptarmigan Falls
Pictured: nearby Redrock Falls (1.8 mi)

About Ptarmigan Falls

Ptarmigan Falls is a named waterfall in Glacier County, Montana, located about 36 miles northwest of North Browning. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Many Glacier 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 48°49′17″ N, 113°42′42″ W (48.82144, -113.71159). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Ptarmigan Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), Iceberg Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), and Kennedy Lake (lake, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Redrock Falls, 1.8 miles to the south.

Weather at Ptarmigan Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

Loading the forecast...

Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Ptarmigan Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

Sunrise
—
Sunset
—
Daylight
—
Golden hour
—

Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

—

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 Ptarmigan 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 Ptarmigan Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Ptarmigan Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
  • Iceberg Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
  • Kennedy Lake — lake, 1.3 mi
  • Crowfeet Mountain — summit, 1.3 mi
  • Mount Henkel — summit, 1.3 mi
  • Ptarmigan Lake — lake, 1.6 mi
  • Mount Wilbur — summit, 1.7 mi
  • Iceberg Lake — lake, 1.7 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 48.82144, -113.71159. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Ptarmigan Falls

Photo of Redrock Falls near North Browning, MT

Redrock Falls

North Browning, MT · 1.8 mi south
4.8 (44)
Photo of Apikuni Falls near North Browning, MT

Apikuni Falls

North Browning, MT · 3.2 mi east
4.9 (30)
Photo of Hidden Falls near North Browning, MT

Hidden Falls

North Browning, MT · 3.9 mi south
5.0 (2)
Photo of Grinnell Falls near Columbia Falls, MT

Grinnell Falls

Columbia Falls, MT · 4.1 mi south
4.5 (2)
Photo of Grinnell Falls, a waterfall 0.9 miles from Salamander Falls
Pictured: nearby Grinnell Falls (0.9 mi)

Salamander Falls

Columbia Falls, MT · 4.7 mi south

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ptarmigan Falls located?

Ptarmigan Falls is in Glacier County, Montana, about 36 miles northwest of North Browning. Its coordinates are 48.82144, -113.71159 (48°49′17″ N, 113°42′42″ W).

What town is closest to Ptarmigan Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is North Browning, MT, about 36 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Ptarmigan Falls?

The closest is Redrock Falls (1.8 mi south). Others within reach include Swiftcurrent Falls (3.0 mi), Apikuni Falls (3.2 mi), and Hidden Falls (3.9 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Ptarmigan Falls?

Ptarmigan Falls appears on the USGS Many Glacier 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.