Due to the state’s monstrous size and the fact that there are over 120 named Montana waterfalls, seeing them all would take more time than most folks can fit into a single road trip. We previously included several waterfalls in Montana in our Ultimate Southern Montana Road Trip, and now we'll highlight the middle part of the state. This drive, which you can easily complete in a day, could best be described as the Central Montana waterfalls road trip, which covers falls that the Lewis and Clark Expedition may have seen. You'll no longer have to spend time searching for "waterfalls near me" because we've got you covered!
Fill your tank, create a playlist, and tell your friends or family it’s time to chase some falls in Montana.
The total driving time for this route is 4 hours and 39 minutes.
Follow along with our route on Google Maps.
1. Cataract Falls and Double Falls, Lewis and Clark County
Start your trip with a trek through the beautiful Lewis and Clark National Forest. The hike to see Cataract Falls is only a half-mile round trip, and it’s an easy walk. Go up north a few miles to the Double Falls Campground and take the trailhead at the northeast corner to hike to the nearby Double Falls.
2. Black Eagle Dam and Falls, Cascade County
Every history buff will enjoy the Great Falls of the Missouri River, which were once visited by Lewis and Clark. Black Eagle Falls is the first in a series of four waterfalls (a fifth, Colter Falls, flooded after the dams were built) that constitute the Great Falls. The Black Eagle Dam was the first dam on the site, built and opened in 1890.
3. Rainbow Falls, Cascade County
Rainbow Falls is the second largest of the cataracts that comprise the Great Falls of the Missouri River. The 44-foot-tall falls sit below the Rainbow Dam.
4. Crooked Falls, Cascade County
Crooked Falls is the only waterfall in the Great Falls area that remains virtually unchanged since the Lewis and Clark Expedition. You can learn more about these waterfalls in Montana and others in the Great Falls area on the National Park Service website.
5. Big Falls, Cascade County
Finish your Great Falls visit with a trip to the final dam and waterfall. Big Falls (and Ryan Dam) is just one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls that you'll find in Montana. That's why it is always on our best waterfalls in Central Montana list.
6. Memorial Falls, Cascade County
End your journey at Memorial Falls, located 1.6 miles southeast of Neihart on Highway 89. You’ll have to walk 1.2 miles round trip to see the two beautiful waterfalls. This is just one of many hiking trails with waterfalls in Montana that should be on your bucket list.
So, what do you think of our Central Montana waterfalls road trip to some of the best Montana waterfalls? Are there any stops you'd add to this waterfall road trip in Central Montana? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!
If you're looking for more, add these five hiking trails with falls in Montana to your bucket list this year! Get your trail maps from AllTrails+ so you keep your feet from wandering too far off course.
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https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/montana/easy-waterfall-hikes-family-friendly-mt/
Glacier National Park in Montana has amazing scenic views and waterfall hikes to enjoy. Take a quick peek at this video to find a little inspiration for your next visit:
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