Clicky

Needle Falls, Flathead County

Will Beck
Last Updated: March 4th, 2023

Needle Falls is technically an unconfirmed waterfall in Flathead County, Montana. The falls are deemed “likely to exist” by the World Waterfall Database, and the waterfall is marked on many topographical maps with latitude and longitude available.

There is little known about the falls otherwise, though, and very few images are available. There are two potential trails that could lead you there, the main one being White River Trail and the other being Needle Falls Overlook.

A Guide to Needle Falls, Flathead County

The 120-foot waterfall pours out from White River inside the Lolo National Forest in Flathead County, Montana. There are some hiker reports on sites like All Trails with limited reports of the waterfall.

Needle Falls Stats

needle falls stats

  • Location: Lolo National Forest, Flathead County, Montana
  • Latitude: 47.61164
  • Longitude: -113.20518
  • Stream: White River
  • Elevation: 5163 feet
  • Height: 120 feet
  • Season: Spring to autumn
  • Campgrounds and RV parks nearby: 20+ campgrounds located within the park or nearby, with hundreds of sites available

Recreational Activities Near Needle Falls

If you’re looking for outdoor recreation, Flathead County is just about as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world.

With the incredible mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, hiking trails, backcountry camping, water skiing, boating, and practically any other outdoor sport at your fingertips, your days around Needle Falls will be filled with exciting activities.

Swimming

swimming

You should never swim in natural waterfalls. So, if you’re wondering “can I swim at Needle Falls,” take that into account. The reason is that waterfalls are dangerous, creating undercurrents that can pull you under and take you away against your will.

Instead, find places to swim in nearby locations like Glacier National Park where there are hundreds of lakes and streams with swimming zones.

Some of the most popular spots for swimmers include Lake Josephine, Bowman Lake, Lake McDonald, and St. Mary Lake. And for backcountry hikers who crave an unforgettable polar plunge, Like Grinnell is a glacier run-off where swimming is ice cold!

Boating

All around Needle Falls, you’ll find opportunities for boating on the many lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds throughout the region.

For backcountry hikers, portage is possible to many of the lakes and rivers in Glacier National Park, while more easily accessible options exist throughout at spots like Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake.

If you’ve got your own boat, bring it along! Or rent from a local outfitter, where you’ll find paddle boats, paddle boards, speed boats and motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and more available for use nearby.

Just be sure to check any restrictions for your chosen bodies of water, as some do not permit certain types of boating, while others restrict it completely.

White Water Rafting

white water rafting