Siksika Falls are a remote waterfall that is located in Glacier National Park near Gunsight Lake. This waterfall is a pretty double cascade on an unnamed tributary of the Saint Mary River. Siksika Falls is fed with water from Jackson Glacier, one of the remaining glaciers in the park.
There is no direct trail to Siksika Falls. Access can be found using the Gunsight Pass and Jackson Glacier trails. To reach the waterfall, follow the first stream that is closest to the end of the Jackson Glacier trail. Siksika Falls will be a short distance east of Jackson Glacier trail.
Siksika Falls, Glacier County
Siksika Falls Statistics
- Elevation: 5,280 feet
- Height: Unknown
- Trailhead: Gunsight Pass
- Season (when can it be accessed): April through October
Things to Do Near Shower Falls
Siksika Falls are fairly remote falls that are only accessible on a fairly long hiking trail. There are not many activities close to the falls, however, the trailhead is along the Going-to-the-Sun Road which offers visitors to Glacier National Park access to a variety of additional recreational activities.
Hiking
Hiking is the number one activity for visitors to Glacier National Park. Within the park, there are hundreds of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult.
Most visitors to the park will enjoy a hike or two during their visit. Siksika Falls is located closest to the St. Mary Lake area of the Park.
This area is the main eastern entrance to the Park and has plenty of hiking opportunities. There are approximately 10 trails located in the area of the Gunsight Pass trailhead that visitors can explore.
Camping
Camping is another popular activity for visitors to Glacier National Park. At the St. Mary entrance of the park, there is a really large campground and RV park that are operated by the National Park Service.
There are also numerous backcountry campsites that can be used by backpackers. Backpackers wishing to use one of the many backcountry campsites will need to have a backcountry permit.
Permits for these campsites are purchased at any ranger station within the Park.
Fishing
St. Mary Lake is one of the more popular lakes within Glacier National Park. This lake is fairly large, and it has a dramatic backdrop of massive peaks that make it a favorite among tourists.
The lake has a nice population of fish, and it is a great place to bait cast. The trails around St. Mary Lake can be busy, so the best time to visit this lake to fish is early in the morning or later in the afternoon when crowds are smaller.
Before you head out to fish near Siksika Falls, make sure you check the fishing regulations for the Park. Also, you’ll need to have a current Montana fishing license. Fishing licenses are available online through the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks website.
Can You Swim at Siksika Falls?
While there are two good-sized pools at Siksika Falls, which could be good for swimming, this is not a good place to swim.
The water in these falls comes directly from Jackson Glacier. The water is very cold and could create hypothermic reactions if you swim here.
Also, this is a fairly fast-moving creek, even in the pools at the base of the falls. It is not a safe place to swim, even though there are no regulations prohibiting swimming in Siksika Falls.
Where to Stay Near Siksika Falls
Siksika Falls is located fairly near St. Mary, MT. There are a number of lodging options ranging from campgrounds and cabins to hotels.
Visitors can also camp at one of a few Park Service Operated campgrounds within the Park.
- Rising Sun Campground
- Sprague Creek Campground
- Lake McDonald Lodge
- Heart of Glacier RV Park and Cabins
- St. Mary Campground
- St. Mary/East Glacier KOA
- St. Mary Village
- Johnson’s Campground and RV Park
- The Cottages at Glacier
- Divide Creek Campground
- Red Eagle Motel and RV Park
Trail Routes Near Siksika Falls
Gunsight Pass
To access Siksika Falls, you’ll use the Gunsight Pass trail and trailhead from the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This trail is 12.9 miles out and back, with 1,742 feet of elevation gain.
The trail passes by Reynolds Creek Campsite, a nice backcountry campsite that isn’t too far from the road. Views along the trail are quite spectacular. There is evidence of an old burn scar that has opened up the views of the surrounding peaks from the trail.
Florence Falls
The trail to Florence Falls is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail. The hike starts off the Going-to-the-Sun Road at the Gunsight Pass trailhead.
This trail is 9.2 miles out-and-back and has 1,174 feet of elevation gain. The trail ends at the base of Fusillade Mountain, where water from Twin Lakes forms Florence Falls.
The Florence Falls trail is a connector trail for the Gunsight Lake trail.
Deadwood Falls
The Deadwood Falls trail starts at the Jackson Glacier Overlook parking lot off of the Going-to-the-Sun road. This is a moderately challenging hike that takes you to a small waterfall near Reynolds Creek Campsite.
This is a fairly busy trail, despite being more challenging than others in the area. This trail starts downhill from the parking area, and then you’ll climb back up to the parking lot. The elevation gain for this trail is not significant at only 626 feet. The hike is a 2.9 mile out and back.
St. Mary and Virginia Falls
This is another fairly easy hike to a couple of pretty waterfalls. This hike is fairly popular with visitors to the park since it is accessible from the parking areas at St. Mary Lake.
The trail has a nice crossing point over St. Mary River where there’s an excellent view of St. Mary Lake. The trail is 2.9 miles out and back, with a modest 452 feet of elevation gain.