Appistoki Falls

Overview

A quick detour in Two Medicine, Appistoki Falls is a pretty, multi-segment cascade you mostly glimpse through the trees. It’s an easy, low-commitment outing that pairs well with bigger plans in the valley—think Scenic Point or a relaxed lap around Two Medicine Lake.

What You’ll See

Expect a broad, ribboned cascade tucked in a rocky cleft. The official viewpoint is set back for safety, so the waterfall is more peekaboo than postcard, and it can be tricky to frame a clean photo. Along the way, watch for wildflowers in season and the occasional bighorn sheep or moose.

Trail Basics

• Distance and gain: roughly 1.2–1.3 miles round trip with about 150 feet of elevation; most people take 30–60 minutes.
• Route: Start from the Scenic Point trail in Two Medicine. About a half mile in, take the signed spur to the falls.
• Safety: The viewpoint sits near steep, unstable edges—don’t scramble beyond the signed area.
• Regulations: No dogs on park trails; an entrance fee is required.

Best Time to Visit

Peak flow is late spring into early summer. Late summer lowers the volume but brings huckleberries along the trail. Two Medicine is famously windy—pack a layer. In midsummer, parking lots can fill by midday, so earlier starts are smoother.

Wildlife & Safety

This is prime bear habitat (black and grizzly). Hike in a group when you can, make noise, and carry bear spray. Berry season increases bear activity—stay alert and give all wildlife plenty of space.

Logistics

Parking is at the Scenic Point/Mt. Henry lot in Two Medicine. There are no toilets at this trailhead. Nearest options are vault toilets at the Running Eagle Falls parking area and flush facilities with potable water at Two Medicine Campground. Bring your own drinking water if you’re starting from the Scenic Point lot.

Make It a Combo

Continue past the falls junction for the much steeper Scenic Point hike and big valley views, or pair this short stroll with lakeside time at Two Medicine and a quick stop at Running Eagle Falls.

Geology Corner

You’re walking through classic layers of Glacier’s Belt Supergroup, notably the Appekunny Formation—thinly bedded green and red argillites with fine sandstones that often preserve ripple marks and mud cracks from ancient shallow-water settings. Those red and green hues come from iron oxidizing (red) or staying reduced underwater (green), one of Two Medicine’s signature looks.