Twin Falls Trail

Overview

This is the crowd-pleasing waterfall walk in the Two Medicine area. The classic way is to ride the seasonal boat across Two Medicine Lake and then hike a gentle, well-trod path to Twin Falls. It’s roughly 2.0 miles total (out-and-back) with about 114 feet of elevation gain—more of a pleasant forest ramble than a workout. Expect 40–60 minutes of hiking time, plus boat logistics.

Route Options

• Short and easy (with boat): Ride across Two Medicine Lake to the west-end dock and walk ~2.0 miles round-trip to the falls. Footbridges keep your feet dry, and the grade stays mellow.
• No-boat alternatives: Hike the lakeshore from the main Two Medicine area. Options include an out-and-back from the North Shore (about 7.1 miles round-trip, ~518 feet of gain) or a full lake loop that tags Twin Falls (about 8.0 miles, ~629 feet of gain). These feel like proper day hikes with more solitude and shoreline views.

What You’ll See

The trail weaves through cool, shaded forest with creek crossings on sturdy bridges and intermittent mountain views. Twin Falls itself is a pretty two-pronged cascade that rewards a short spur trail with mist, mossy rock, and photo-friendly angles. Keep your eyes peeled—this drainage occasionally treats hikers to moose sightings.

Best Time to Hike

Late spring through early fall is prime. Early summer can bring mosquitoes; carry repellent. June often features blooming beargrass around Two Medicine, and wildflowers add color through summer. Boat service is seasonal and can sell out—early starts help with parking and crowding. This is not a winter hike, and snow can linger into early season depending on conditions.

Logistics and Permits

No day-use or trail-specific permit is required for Twin Falls. If you’re using the boat, secure tickets in advance when possible, and double-check schedules. As of 2025, vehicle reservations apply to certain park corridors, but Two Medicine can be accessed without a vehicle reservation; plan extra time regardless, as parking fills fast.

Tips and Cautions

Download offline maps—cell service is spotty. Near the falls, expect wet, slick footing and spray; keep a safe distance from edges. Early season can mean higher water—use the bridges rather than poking around for informal crossings. Carry bear spray and give any wildlife plenty of space; this is active habitat.

Geology Snapshot

You’re walking through a showcase of Glacier’s ancient Belt Supergroup—colorful red and green rocks rich in iron that record an inland sea more than a billion years old. The park’s dramatic relief was shaped by the Lewis Overthrust, which pushed ancient rock over younger layers, and by later glaciation that carved the basins and valleys you’re exploring today. Stromatolites—fossilized structures built by early cyanobacteria—are common in park rocks, a reminder that these mountains hold some of Earth’s oldest biological stories.