The Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail is a popular hike that’s located near another favorite natural wonder: Seeley Lake. And while it’s a fantastic terrain to cover in the summer, this area really comes to life in the fall. In fact, come autumn, the trail is surrounded by rich, vibrant hues that you’ll fall head over heels for! This fall, trek on up to Morrell Falls to experience the spectacular hues of the season in one of the prettiest spots off the beaten path.

Morrell Falls sits nestled at the base of the Swan Mountain Range, and it's truly stunning. In the spring and summer, it tends to look like this...
William Rustad/AllTrails
... but it won't be long until it looks more like this!
Kate Baxter / alltrails.com
The fall scenery here is truly out of this world.
The Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail is a 5.4-mile out-and-back hike considered to be moderately challenging.
Salina Lee/AllTrails
The trail has a fairly low elevation gain, meaning it's mostly flat.
Kate Baxter / alltrails.com
And in September and October, every step is incredibly colorful.
After you pass Morrell Lake at the one-mile mark, you'll trek through some dense forest on your way to the falls.
kate baxter/AllTrails
Make sure to pack your bear spray and plenty of water.

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As fall starts to crank up, so too do the colors here!
kate baxter/AllTrails
You'll find plenty of spots to stop, rest, and take photos.
Jameson P/AllTrails
Halfway through the hike, you'll reach the beautiful Morrell Falls.
Boogich/Getty
Do note that while this trail is good for all skill levels, it will probably be too much for very young children and total beginners.
kate baxter/AllTrails
Enjoy as many late summer hikes as you'd like. Save this trail for late September.
Keith Ruttledge / alltrails.com
Not only is it especially beautiful, but you'll be able to avoid the summer crowds.
While you're here, pop over to nearby Seeley Lake to ogle even more fall colors in Montana!
Management/TripAdvisor

Montana in the fall is hard to beat, and Montana’s waterfall hikes are truly second to none. But since most of them are best explored in the summer, it’s nice to have one we can save for fall! Have you ever been to Morrell Falls or Seeley Lake? Do you have any tips to share? Before you head out, be sure to grab a trail app to help you navigate!

For even more spots to ogle fall colors in Montana, check out our fall foliage road trip.

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Morrell Falls in Montana & Related Info

Jennifer | August 02, 2023

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Montana has some truly breathtaking sights to admire and explore, from sky-high peaks to the state's trademark "big skies" and everything in between. While many of Montana's waterfalls require some intense hikes to get to (which are well worth the effort, by the way!), the state also has a few roadside falls to its credit. Here are some of our favorite easy-access waterfalls in Montana:

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Morrell Falls, Montana, USA