Although not particularly remote, Salamander Falls are some of the more difficult to access falls within Glacier National Park. This narrow but tall waterfall is made from the melting ice of Salamander Glacier.
Located in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park, Salamander Glacier is one of the remaining 37 glaciers in Glacier National Park. It is also one of two glaciers that are located along the Grinnell Lake and Glacier trail.
In the early 1900s, Salamander Glacier did not exist. It was a part of Grinnell Glacier, a large glacier that encompassed most of the basin where Upper Grinnell Lake sits. During the early history of Glacier National Park when access was more difficult, monitoring glaciers happened only periodically.
By 1929, Grinnell Glacier had retreated so much that it split into two distinct glaciers: Grinnell Glacier and Salamander Glacier.
The falls are not particularly remote, being that the Grinnell Lake and Grinnell Glacier trail is quite popular with more experienced hikers. The hike to Salamander Falls is one of the most scenic in the park and is a great full-day adventure for visitors that are prepared for a challenging hike.
Salamander Falls, Glacier County
Salamander Glacier sits on the ledge above Grinnell Glacier and Upper Grinnell Lake. The Glacier is around 30 acres in size. Salamander Glacier is a feature located on the eastern face of the Garden Wall. Salamander Falls cascade down the Garden Wall feeding upper Grinnell Lake.
Salamander Falls Statistics
- Elevation: 7,200 feet (2,210 meters)
- Height: 440 feet (134 meters)
- Trailhead: Grinnell Trailhead
- Season (when can it be accessed): April to October
Things to Do Near Salamander Falls
The Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park is called such because most of the Park’s namesake glaciers are located near this part of the park. The Many Glacier area has plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy.
Hiking
Hiking in the Many Glacier area is almost certainly the most popular activity in this part of the park. There are plenty of hiking trails that start in this area, lots leading to overlooks where glaciers can be seen.
Some trails actually take you right up to some of the famous glaciers. You’ll find that there are quite a number of high peaks in this part of the park, so many of the hiking trails are difficult and can be fairly long.
Bears are quite common in this area, and you may find that trails in the Many Glacier Area are closed from time to time due to bear activity.
Hikers visiting the Many Glacier area of the park are encouraged to brush up on their bear avoidance skills prior to hiking within Glacier National Park.
Camping
One of the most popular campgrounds in Glacier National Park is located near the Grinnell Trailhead. The Many Glacier Ground is operated by the National Park Service and offers camping sites for both tents and RVs.
This campground is located at the end of Many Glacier Road, just past Swiftcurrent Lake. This campground is only open during the summer months, and sites must be reserved in advance.
In addition to the large established campground, there are plenty of backcountry campsites available to hikers that wish to experience Glacier National Park with fewer crowds.
Backcountry campsites do not need to be reserved, but hikers will need to collect a backcountry permit from one of the ranger stations in the park.
Backpackers will need to practice safe food storage and hiking procedures while in bear territory.
Canoeing/Kayaking
With a number of large lakes in the Many Glacier area, non-motorized boating is a fun activity. Small non-motorized boats are allowed on Swiftcurrent Lake, Josephine Lake, and Lake Sherburn.
Visitors that wish to boat in this part of the Park will need to bring their own kayak or canoe. Rental services are not available in this area of the park.
Fishing
There are many great fishing locations in the Many Glacier Area of Glacier National Park. With numerous lakes around the Many Glacier Campground and day-use area, there are plenty of spots to cast your line.
Fishing is generally allowed in all lakes in Glacier National Park, however, there are some limitations to fishing that you should be aware of before heading to Glacier National Park.
Information on fishing in Glacier National Park can be found on the Park website. Visitors wanting to fish in Montana and Glacier National Park must have a current Montana Fishing license.
Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks.