Glacier National Park: Running Eagle Falls

Running Eagle Falls is a place of beauty and sacred spirituality in Glacier National Park. Nicknamed, Trick Falls, Running Eagle Falls actually appears to be two waterfalls. After the snow melts in the spring, the upper falls rages above the lower falls. Later in the summer, the upper falls dries up and only the lower falls continues to flow, hence the name, Trick Falls.

Running Eagle Falls was named after a female Blackfeet warrior who used the area for vision quests. The legend tells of a brave indian girl named Weasel Woman whose parents died when she was young. Refusing to break up her siblings, and rejecting all of her suitors, Weasel Woman decided to take on the male role of the household. She provided for her brothers and sisters by hunting. To take care of the female chores, Weasel Woman brought in a widowed woman of her tribe to look after the children and cook.

Weasel Woman had her first experience as a warrior when Crow Indians raided her Blackfeet village and stole several horses. In response, Weasel Woman broke into the Crow camp and returned 6 of the best horses to her village. She was also responsible for killing several enemy warriors who were trailing her party.

When Weasel Woman returned, the men put up a Medicine Lodge and allowed Weasel Woman to tell her story. From then on, Weasel Woman, became known as Pita Omarkan, or Running Eagle, a named that once belonged to a great chief. She has been the only Blackfeet woman to bear a man's name.

Running Eagle went on to participate in many successful raids and led many war parties. She became a member of the Braves Society of young warriors. However, Running Eagle met her match during a battle with the Flatheads, and was clubbed from the behind and killed.

The area where Running Eagle received a vision that empowered her with the knowledge to become a successful warrior, now bears her name. Running Eagle Falls continues to fascinate and awe thousands of visitors a year.