Posted in Montana Nature, Road Trips, Waterfalls January 31, 2023 by

Spend The Day Exploring Montana’s Spectacular Falls On This Wonderful Waterfall Road Trip

The days of summer are way too short, and they pass by far too quickly. But here in Montana, we just see that as motivation to make the most of every single sunny day. This scenic road trip will take you to some of Montana’s most beautiful waterfalls, and we purposely chose easily accessible falls so you can complete the drive in a single day. Just be sure to pack plenty of water and your sneaker or hiking boots. After all, you’ll be spending part of this waterfall road trip in Montana on foot.

The route is just under 200 miles in length, and directions can be found on Google Maps.
Google Maps
Despite the driving time on the map, we highly recommend allowing 10-12 hours for this adventure so you'll have plenty of time to stop and enjoy the waterfalls.
1. Crow Creek Falls
Katherine Tadej / alltrails.com
The waterfall road trip in Montana begins with the longest hike of the trip. Beginning early in the morning will give you a perfect head start. Located near Townsend, Crow Creek Falls is a hidden gem you'll find right in the middle of a five-mile hike. With that being said, it's well worth the trek.
Crow Creek Falls, Montana 59638, USA
2. Palisades Falls
Luke Weyrauch / alltrails.com
Next, you'll drive south for about 2.5 hours until you reach the nice, easy Palisades Falls Trail. Located near Bozeman, this mile-long nature walk will take you to a unique and beautiful waterfall.

Palisades Falls, Montana 59047, USA
3. Grotto Falls
Anna Simpson / alltrails.com
Next up is Grotto Falls, a gorgeous cascade that you'll find near the tiny town of Emigrant. The trail to reach this waterfall is about 2.4 miles long, and there are plenty of places along the way to stop and have a picnic.
Grotto Falls, Montana 59047, USA
4. Champagne Falls
Marg Hammersla / alltrails.com
If you have the time for another true hike, you can't go wrong with Champagne Falls. This trail is in the Hyalite Canyon region, and you can actually get to it from the Grotto Falls Trailhead. Champagne Falls is the ultimate destination, but you'll see plenty of smaller waterfalls along the way.
Champagne Falls, Montana 59718, USA
5. Ousel Falls
AllTrails User / alltrails.com
Last, but surely not least, you'll head to Big Sky and find the nice and short (we promise) Ousel Falls Trail. This gorgeous 1.5-mile nature walk is quite popular, and for good reason. It'll lead you to the incredible Ousel Falls.
Ousel Falls, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA

 

Does this waterfall road trip in Montana sound like an adventure you’d want to take? Have you ever visited any of these waterfalls in Montana? If so, please share your thoughts with us in the comments below. 

Between all of the driving and the long walks to reach these falls in Montana, you’ll be wiped out in the best way after this enchanting day trip. Luckily, you’ll end your journey in Montana’s most naturally beautiful small town, which happens to be a great place to spend the night.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

waterfall road trip in montana + related info

February 04, 2023
Jennifer Young

Are there any easy waterfall hiking trails in Montana?

Like many other states, Montana is home to several waterfall hiking trails. While some of them are rather difficult to navigate, many others are quite easy. Listed below are a couple of easy trails with waterfalls in Montana that are perfect for a family hiking trip.

1. Palisade Falls Trail - Bozeman

The Palisade Falls Trail is located in Bozeman, Montana, and is a great trail for families with young kids. It's only a mile long and leads to Palisade Falls, which drops over an ancient lava flow.

2. St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail - Glacier National Park

Tucked away inside Montana's Glacier National Park is the St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail. This 3-mile-long trail leads to two stunning waterfalls.

What three Montana waterfalls should everyone include on their bucket list?

There are many beautiful waterfalls in Montana, including the three listed below. Don't forget to add them to your bucket list.

1. Florence Falls - Glacier National Park

Florence Falls is nestled inside Montana's Glacier National Park. Because the trail leading to it has lots of forested spots, this waterfall requires quite a hike to reach it. Once you reach Florence Falls, you'll feel like the hike was well worth it. It's straight out of a fairy tale.

2. Woodbine Falls - Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

Tucked away within Montana's Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is Woodbine Falls. At 280 feet tall, Woodbine Falls is one of Montana's tallest waterfalls. With that being said, it's also one of the state's most remote waterfalls.

3. Morrell Falls - Seeley Lake

Located near Seeley Lake is Morrell Falls. To reach this waterfall, you'll hike the Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail, which is five miles long. Even though this trail is easy, it still has a few steep spots, so remember to always hike with caution.