Great Waterfalls in Western Montana

With the trailhead located just a 5-minute drive from downtown Big Sky, this is a moderate level, 1.6 mile round-trip hike. The trailheadis accessed at the entrance of Ousel Falls Park, which also boasts beautiful picnic areas and scenic overlooks along the South and West Forks of the Gallatin River. From the park, the trail descends into the South Fork ravine and leads hikers through scenic terrain to view the 50-foot cascade.

Ousel Falls BIG SKY, MT

This towering 80-foot cascade located south of Bozeman in the Hyalite Recreation Area is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The hike is described as easy. The trail follows a tributary of the East Fork of Hyalite Creek, approximately 0.5 miles to a foot bridge in close proximity to the sheer rock cliff creating the falls. The cool mist rising up off the water is an added plus when hiking in the summer heat!

Palisade Falls BOZEMAN, MT

This 1.25 mile dirt trail is an easy half-hour trek located in close proximity to the Hyalite Recreation Area. The trail winds through scenic meadows and shady pines, and before you know it, you are standing in view of this awe-inspiring, low, but voluminous falls— cascading down into reflective swimming holes.

Grotto Falls BOZEMAN, MT

These hidden falls are a 6 mile round-trip, making for a challenging full-day adventure. The falls trailhead can be accessed from multiple locations in the Townsend area. Either way, fishing and swimming are always an option, so be sure to come prepared! We highly recommended using GPS technology and/or obtaining a detailed printed road map before exploring this area!

Crow Creek Falls TOWNSEND, MT

The 3.2 mile round-trip hike to Holland Falls and back is an easy, family-friendly excursion. The picturesque trail is open late spring until early fall. It follows the lakeshore, and then gradually climbs to the base of this picture-perfect cascade.

Holland Lake Falls CONDON, MT

This 5.4 mile round-trip hike on Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail to view this breathtaking, 90-foot double waterfall is well worth it. The dog and horse-friendly trail offers spectacular views of the Swan Mountain Range from nearby Morrell Lake, and culminates with these breathtaking falls at trail’s end.

Morrell Falls SEELEY LAKE, MT

The Kootenai Falls trail’s accessibility and ease make it the most popular waterfall on our list. The sheer power of the undammed Kootenai River cascading over rock walls make it a spectacle worth visiting. The falls is so impressive that Hollywood films “The River Wild” and “The Revenant” were both shot here on location—using the thunderous cascades as a backdrop. This area also offers a short, less than a mile roundtrip wooded hike down to the Swinging Bridge and river’s edge. The bridge provides an excellent vantage point to photograph the falls.

Kootenai Falls LIBBY, MT

Viewing Skalkaho Falls is part of a larger Montana family tradition —taking an annual 45 mile drive over Skalkaho Pass through the Bitterroot National Forest. Whether you start your journey in Philipsburg or Hamilton, the view of Skalkaho Falls tumbling down off the roadside is always a delight. The falls are located roughly midway, and travelers can expect to see vistas of the Sapphire Mountains and Philipsburg Valley through the towering pines.

Skalkaho Falls HAMILTON/PHILIPSBURG, MT

WARNING! Western Montana is home to numerous black and grizzly bears. Rushing water by creeks, rivers and waterfalls can mask the sound of approaching humans and result in unwanted and dangerous encounters. When hiking in Western Montana, always pack bear spray and be prepared to use it if an unexpected encounter occurs. Visit the U.S. Forest Service Web site at fs.usda.gov for “Be Bear Aware” tips on hiking and camping in bear country!