Are there fees or permits required for Apex Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Apex Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Apex Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Apex Falls.

Nearby gauge (Hyalite C) · 25 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Apex Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Apex Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Apex Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Gallatin National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Matt Lavin CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Trollius albiflorus - American globeflower - Flickr - Matt Lavin (1).jpg CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Trail Length

0.1 miles

About Apex Falls

Apex Falls is a tucked-away cascade deep in Montana’s Gallatin National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Often overlooked by through-traffic, the falls offer a peaceful setting where water tumbles through forested slopes — a rewarding destination for anyone seeking a quiet nature break. The route to the falls uses the USFS Hyalite Creek Trail (Trail #427); USFS mapping identifies a short 0.1-mile segment of that trail associated with the falls, so the access is compact but rugged. Trail tread is native material and includes Class 3 sections, so expect steeper, more rugged stretches that may require simple scrambling or careful footing. If you’re camping, Chisholm Campground lies nearby (about 8.63 km away) and makes a convenient base for exploring the area.

The Setting

Apex Falls sits at 8,281 feet within Gallatin National Forest, in the high alpine of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Hyalite Creek (#427), a 0.1-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

HYALITE CREEK #427

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.10 mi

Trail Description

Difficulty: Moderate. Surface: native material. Class: 3 (sections are steeper and more rugged; hikers should be prepared for short areas that may require simple scrambling or careful footing). USFS GIS notes a 0.1-mile mapped segment near the falls. Expect uneven root-and-rock tread; nearest established camping: Chisholm Campground (8.63 km).

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic experience with the sound of cascading water and surrounding natural landscapes. The area may be remote, so plan accordingly.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Apex Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Apex Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be at its peak due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Gallatin National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The area may be remote with limited cell service. Be prepared for changing weather, carry sufficient supplies, and inform someone of your plans. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Hyalite C, 12.8 miles away, not on Apex Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

25 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

22 27 45 56

Based on 78 years of record

2.30 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

Hyalite C at Hyalite R S nr Bozeman MT

USGS 06050000

12.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 49 sq mi

Altitude: 5,530 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Hyalite C at Hyalite R S nr Bozeman MT (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

26 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

28 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

25 cfs

8/10

Sun

Low

24 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

24 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

25 cfs

5/10

Wed

Moderate

25 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

24 cfs

8/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Emigrant hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar measures about 191 feet of descent through Apex Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 8,285 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 180 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 64 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Apex Falls near Emigrant, Montana, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Apex Falls near Emigrant, Montana, showing about 191 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 8,285 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 191 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Specific directions to Apex Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for accurate navigation. It is likely located in a remote area, so ensure your vehicle is suitable for unpaved roads if necessary.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should expect limited or informal parking near the trailhead.

Elevation

8,281 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.397154° N, -110.956054° W

Land Management

Gallatin National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the location may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and prepare for changing weather conditions. Check with local authorities for trail conditions before visiting.

This trail sits at 8,281 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

Where to Stay

Game Day Hub! half Mi to MSU and Bobcat Stadium

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

CHISHOLM CAMPGROUND

5.4 miles away · 10 sites

Reservable

Overview Chisholm Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, 18 miles south of Bozeman, Montana. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and climbing.Recreation Hyalite Reservoir offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Anglers fish for Yellowstone cutthroat, Arctic grayling and brook trout. Hyalite

Book on Recreation.gov