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Appistoki Falls, Montana

Jason Gass
Last Updated: February 27th, 2023

One of the more popular hikes in Glacier National Park is the Appistoki Falls and Scenic Point hikes. This trail is a very popular trail for tourists and during peak visitor season can be very busy.

The trailhead for Appistoki Falls and Scenic Point is located 2.7 miles from the Two Medicine entrance to the Park.

The parking lot at this trailhead is larger than most, but it can be very busy, especially on days when ranger-guided hikes are scheduled to Scenic Point.

The trail that you will hike to Appistoki Falls is Mt. Henry Trail. This trail was constructed in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway Company.

The Company used this trail as an easier way to travel between the Two Medicine Chalets and the Glacier Park Lodge, both owned by the Railway Company.

Today, the trail provides visitors a nice 1.2-mile round trip hike to Appistoki Falls. Visitors looking for a greater challenge can continue to Scenic Point.

This trail is also part of the Continental Divide Trail that stretches from the border with Mexico to the border with Canada and passes through Glacier National Park.

Appistoki Falls Statistics

appistoki falls statistics
Image: GlacierNPS
  • Elevation: 5,433 feet
  • Height: Unknown
  • Trailhead: Henry Trail
  • Season (when can it be accessed): April through October

Recreational Activities Near Appistoki Falls

Since Appistoki Falls is located in Glacier National Park, you’ll find that there are plenty of great recreational activities to enjoy near the falls.

Hiking

The Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park has some of the most popular hikes in the Park.

Besides the hikes to Scenic Point and Appistoki Falls, there are around 20 additional hikes near Two Medicine Lake. The hikes in this area range in difficulty from very easy to quite difficult.

Additionally, the Two Medicine area has many opportunities for multi-day backpacking hikes. Visitors that wish to utilize backcountry campsites along trails in the Two Medicine area will need to acquire a permit from the ranger station.

Camping

Several campgrounds are located in the Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park. Camping in this area is quite popular, and during the summer months campgrounds will fill up quickly.

Developed campgrounds within Glacier National Park require reservations, and many can be booked up to a year in advance.

There are also numerous backcountry camping sites along some of the longer trails that start in the Two Medicine area of the park. Camping in the backcountry sites requires permits that must be purchased from the ranger station.

Fishing

Fishing is a very popular activity within Glacier National Park. Near Appistoki Falls you’ll find plenty of great places to fish. There are both lake and stream fishing opportunities.

Two Medicine and Lower Two Medicine Lakes are the closest places to cast your line to the trailhead for Appistoki Falls. If you would rather fish some of the streams in the Appistoki Falls area, Two Medicine Creek and Aster Creek are nice options.

The US Park Service relies on the state of Montana for fishing regulations and licenses. Fishing licenses can be purchased online from the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks website.

You will also want to visit the Glacier National Park website for specific regulations for fishing within the Park.

Trail Routes Near Appistoki Falls

Mt. Henry Trail

mt. henry trail
Image: U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region

The Mt. Henry Trail provides access to both Appistoki Falls and Scenic Point. The trail to Appistoki Falls is an easy 1.2-mile hike to the viewing point for the falls. Appistoki Falls travel down a deep gorge so only parts of the falls are visible from the viewing point.

Scenic Point is a fairly difficult 7.4 mile, out and back hike. It takes most hikers around 5 hours to complete the hike. There is a substantial amount of elevation gain on this trail.

You’ll climb 2,352 feet over the length of the trail. There are camping spots at the end of Scenic Point for those that would like to make the hike over two days.

The Mt. Henry Trail can also be hiked point to point from the Two Medicine area to East Glacier, MT. The Mt. Henry trail is part of the Continental Divide Trail.

Two Medicine Lake Loop

two medicine lake loop
Image: Sathish J

The Two Medicine Lake Loop is a pretty easy hike, despite the distance. The full loop is 9.7 miles. For most hikers, it will take around 4 hours to complete the loop.

The trail offers amazing views of Two Medicine Lake, the surrounding peaks, and the opportunity to view some of the park’s iconic wildlife. Parts of the trail are pretty remote, and bears are frequently seen on this trail, it is advisable that you carry bear spray on this trail.

Many visitors that take this trail recommend traveling the loop clockwise for the best views.

Cobalt Lake

cobalt lake
Image: Simon

This 10.6-mile, out-and-back trail is a moderately challenging hike. It is also a good hike for an overnight backpacking trip. You’ll start your hike to Cobalt Lake from the Two Medicine area.

The trail is relatively flat for most of the hike. Most of the climb on this trail occurs around the halfway point to the lake. You’ll have a number of switchbacks to navigate at this point.

After the switchback section, you’ll continue on a fairly moderate trail that follows the valley floor. The trail ends at Cobalt Lake. There are camping sites around the lake.

Aster Park

aster park
Image: daveynin

The Aster Park Trail starts at the same trailhead as Paradise Point. This trail is a 4.0-mile out and back trail that is moderately challenging.

Though the hike to Aster Park only has 341 feet of elevation gain, you’ll find most of that climb near the endpoint of the trail in Aster Park. Aster Park is a beautiful meadow set at the base of a small valley.

This valley is an excellent spot for wildlife and wildflower viewing. If you are hiking to Aster Park in midsummer, make sure you have bug spray, to keep the mosquitos away.

Paradise Point

paradise point
Image: daveynin

Considered a fairly easy trail this short hike is a nice 1.4-mile out and back trail. It can be a fairly busy trail during the park’s peak visitor hours and season.

Many people like to use this hike as a way to stretch their legs after time in the car exploring the park.

The hike takes you to a nice spot to view Two Medicine Lake. The hike will take you around half an hour to complete.

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About The Author

Jason Gass

Jason Gass is a Colorado based freelance writer and blogger whose goal is to share a good cup of coffee and great stories around a campfire with close friends. When he’s not working, he spends most of his time traveling, searching for the best breweries, and road-tripping in his teardrop trailer with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.

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