Miche Wabun Falls, Glacier County

A way, way backcountry waterfall, Miche Wabun is near the Canadian border within Glacier National Park. The waterfall is extremely remote and would make for a great adventure-seeking trip for folks up for a challenge.

Miche Wabun Falls

The waterfall is off-road, with no known trails visible in topographical maps, so you’ll need to take safety precautions as you go in search of this waterfall along the North Fork Belly River in Glacier County. The river ultimately dumps into Miche Wabun Lake and pools with run from the Miche Wabun Glacier.

Hike along the river past the falls to find these other natural features way in the “outback” of the national park.

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Miche Wabun Falls Stats

This backcountry waterfall isn’t an easy-to-access option, but if you’re into hiking and love discovering off-the-grid wonders, you’ll likely find this waterfall well-worth your challenges.

Location: Backcountry, Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana
Nearest town: Babb, Montana
Latitude: 48.98104
Longitude: -113.77147
Stream: North Fork Belly River
Elevation: 5357 feet
Season: Late spring to early autumn
Campgrounds and RV parks nearby: 20+ campgrounds located within the park or nearby, with hundreds of sites available
Notes: There are no established trails or campgrounds near Miche Wabun Falls.

Recreational Activities Near Miche Wabun Falls

Near Miche Wabun Falls, there are many outdoor activities and recreations to enjoy nearby. However, visitors should note that fishing is strictly prohibited along the North Fork Belly River.

Swimming

Can you swim in Miche Wabun Falls? The safe answer is “no.” You should never swim in waterfalls, as they have strong undercurrents that can drag you down and under, putting you in extreme danger.

Instead, it’s better to find slower-moving bodies of water, like Miche Wabun Lake, Lake McDonald, Lake Josephine, or others within the park.

There are some smaller pools that may also be safe to swim in but do note that no lifeguards are on duty within Glacier National Park at any time.

Never go swimming alone.

Boating

The North Fork Belly River welcomes kayakers and canoers along its waters. There are many who enjoy the river’s path, taking in the beautiful sites along the way to the Miche Wabun Glacier at the end of the river’s path.

If you wish to boat to the Miche Wabun Falls instead of bushwhacking your way there, this seems to be possible via access roads to the north – but be warned, you’ll need your passport! The access points are across the Canadian border.

Other boating locations in Glacier National Park and others are available as well. If you need to rent a boat, there are many outfitters in the area who provide rentals both within the park’s boundaries and without.

White Water Rafting

On some of the rivers in and around Glacier National Park, white water rafting is another popular activity.

Many outfitters provide you with the proper gear and guides to make a full adventure of it, but you can also take a shorter trip if you’re not up to speed on your whitewater skills.

Check out the many add-ons available, as well, to find the right trip for you and your group. Some packages come with snacks, others will full meals, some are pack trips for overnight, and others may include additional amenities and perks.

Be sure to compare locations, too, as some may work in areas closer to your top choice locations within Glacier.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing

While in Glacier National Park, you have the potential for spotting many unique and beautiful creatures throughout, from large moose and bears to small pikas and marmots.

You’ll also likely spot dozens of bird species, some reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the most commonly seen animals and birds include

American dippers
Bald eagles
Bats
Beavers
Bighorn sheep
Black bears
Clark’s nutcrackers
Common loons
Coyotes
Elk
Grizzly bears
Harlequin ducks
Lynx
Marmots
Moose
Mountain goats
Mountain lions
Northern hawk owls
Ospreys
Pikas
Ptarmigans
Swifts
Wolverines

Scenic Drives

One of the most popular low-energy activities within Glacier National Park is taking a scenic drive through the park. The many vistas and overlooks provide stunning views without the exertion of a hike deep in. There are some other waterfalls, lakes, and rivers that are roadside, as well.

If you’d rather let someone else drive, book a Red Bus tour. The popular tours sell out fast, though, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance.

Photography

The many stunning views, wildflowers, wild animals, and natural wonders within the park help to make Glacier National Park one of the most photographed locations in the United States.

If you head out to Miche Wabun Falls or other backcountry locations, though, you’ll likely find you’ve got some of the only pics available of those remote sights.

Be sure to pack extra SD cards and batteries, a solar power bank, or other means of keeping your phone or camera going, or else you’ll run out of power or storage for all the photos!

Fishing

Fishing is not permitted in the North Fork Belly River, but there are many locations within Glacier National Park where fishing is open.

If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s recommended that you hire a guide or join a tour of the best fishing locations. Both Glacier Guides and Get Your Guide can help you find a great guide.

If you’d rather go it without a guide, some of the most popular fishing locations are

Logging Creek
Yaak River
Flathead Lake
Mary Lake
Trout Lake
Stillwater River
Flathead River

Cycling

Hiking trails often function as mountain bike trails within Glacier National Park. Some are well-rated for beginners, while others are more challenging.

Check out suggestions on MTB Project for the best trails or consider booking a lift-access ride with Whitefish Mountain Resort

Trail Running

For trail runners, Glacier National Park is an absolute paradise! Many of the hiking trails turn into the best trail running experiences you’ll ever have, whether you’re looking for mild, level paths or more challenging cross-country paths.

Check Great Runs and All Trails for the best paths for your skill level and interests.

Horseback Riding

Swan Mountain Outfitters has three locations nestled within the confines of Glacier National Park. The stables may be found at Many Glacier, Apgar, and Lake McDonald, where you may book any number of ride lengths, including

Lodgepole Loop – 1 hour – $60.00
Ride & Dine – 1 hour + dinner – $80.00
Glacier Gateway – 2 hours – $90.00
Cowboy Cookout – 2 hours + dinner – $165.00
Glacier Lookout – 3 hours – $115.00
Mountain View – all day – $225.00
Private West Glacier Trail Rides – varies – inquire for pricing

Camping

Because of the remote location of Miche Wabun Falls, you’ll likely need to do some backcountry camping. Whether you hike there or portage your kayak, you’ll want to make sure you camp with a partner or group, though, for safety’s sake. And do remember, this is bear country, so prepare accordingly.

Backcountry campsites may be created as “undesignated” sites, though a few existing ones might exist along the way.

These sites will have no amenities, so be sure to prepare for your own restroom needs, including TP and proper packaging, flashlights, power banks (as needed for GPS locators, etc.), bear-proofing, and bear spray.

Additionally, there are many campgrounds and designated RV parks throughout the region and national park specifically.

If you plan to camp in a more traditional site while in the area, book ahead during peak seasons to ensure you’ve got the right kind of site for your needs.

Hotels and Cabin Rentals

After a few days in the backcountry, you may just need a comfortable night or two at a hotel, cabin, or motel nearby. There are many wonderful locations around, including Many Glacier Hotel within Glacier NP, and a host of others nearby.

Museums and Educational Programs

And while you’re in the area, you may be interested in learning more of the history and culture of the region. Much of Glacier National Park is reserved around First Nations land.

Several museums and galleries in the area provide educational programs and exhibits where you may learn more about the indigenous cultures and settler cultures of the region.

Trail Routes

There is no established trail that leads to Miche Wabun Falls. However, if you’re up for bushwhacking your way in or have a canoe or kayak at the ready, you may make your way to the confirmed waterfall along the North Fork Belly River.

Miche Wabun Falls, Glacier County

By Rebecca Hanlon