Mission Falls
Lake County, Montana
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Lake County, Montana
- Access status
- Tribal land; permit required; high-clearance vehicle recommended
- The walk
- About 2.4 to 3.3 miles one way
- Ground & access
- Steep sections with few switchbacks, especially at the start and near the falls.
Mission Falls is on Mission Creek in the Mission Mountains on the Flathead Reservation, on tribally owned land. Take Mission Dam Road from St. Ignatius to the trailhead. The trail follows Mission Creek through mixed pine, fir and cedar forest to the falls. Most of the climbing is at the start and in the last half mile, which is steep in places. A trail beyond the falls toward Lucifer Lake is not maintained.
Plan your visit
Mission Falls Trail from the trailhead at the end of Mission Dam Road, east of St. Ignatius, up Mission Creek to the falls
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes trail map gives approx. 3.3 miles for the Mission Falls Trail. Hiking Project lists 2.4 miles point to point. The figures disagree and both are given.
Steep sections with few switchbacks, especially at the start and near the falls.
Where to start
Trailhead at the end of Mission Dam Road. Hiking Project strongly recommends a high-clearance 4WD or AWD vehicle.
Timing & water
No seasonal details confirmed. Carry bear spray.
Before you go
Non-member visitors over age 12 must carry a CSKT tribal recreation (conservation) permit. The tribal map says permits are available from the CSKT office in Polson. Current permit prices were not confirmed.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.