Lunch Creek Falls Hike

The Lunch Creek Falls Hike at Glacier National Park near Saint Mary, Montana is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back off-trail hike that leads to the base of Lunch Creek Falls and features views into Logan Pass and its surrounding alpine mountains.

Exploring Lunch Creek Falls

This very short off-trail hike begins at Lunch Creek along the Going-to-the-Sun Road where visitors will find a small unofficial trail that leads into the forest. The trail then leads back to Lunch Creek where hikers can walk the slippery, and slightly dangerous but low-graded bedrock as they traverse upstream to reach the base of the waterfall. Just a few-hundred feet from the start, you'll reach the base of Lunch Creek Falls with its short but scenic tiers of cascades that spill down the bedrock steps. This route includes another off-trail hike through an unofficial path that leads to the very-top of Lunch Creek Falls, but based on my own experience it's worth skipping this section as it doesn't have much to offer. The only scenery from near the top of Lunch Creek is really just the view westward and into Logan Pass where you'll find the alpine ramparts of Reynolds Mountain towering above the alpine meadows below. The hike back to parking is simple -- just follow the same path out as you head down the slick and slippery bedrock of Lunch Creek. Before you leave the area, you might enjoy a similar view into Logan Pass from the very short but scenic Lunch Creek Accessible Lookout located across the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Vehicle Reservations

Depending on what time of year you visit, you may need to reserve a vehicle entrance pass to get into the park, in addition to a park entry fee (or annual National Parks pass). Before planning this hike, ensure you've checked the NPS website for when and where Glacier NP vehicle reservations are required.

Parking

Visitors will find a large parking turnout along the southwest side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east side of Logan Pass, at the coordinates provided. The turnout is large enough to fit over a dozen vehicles as of September 2024.

Pets

Dogs are not allowed on any trails at Glacier National Park.

Warning

Off-trail with wet bedrock: Note that this hike is 100% off-trail and does not follow an official NPS trail. To reach the base of Lunch Creek Falls you must hike upstream along slippery and wet bedrock which can be dangerous for inexperienced hikers or without the proper footwear. Always hike at your own risk.