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.

Live Conditions · 90 ft³/s · Much 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 May 2026

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

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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. The hike to Apex Falls is a moderate out-and-back of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, making it a doable half-day trip for most hikers. 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 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

HYALITE CREEK #427

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.10 mi

Trail Description

USFS Hyalite Creek Trail (Trail #427) — out-and-back route, approximately 2.4 miles round trip with ~350 ft elevation gain. 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

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

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 2 hours ago Moderate

90 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

92 127 230 325

Based on 76 years of record

2.72 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

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: 5,540 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

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

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

90 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

93 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

99 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

99 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

86 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

96 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

94 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

79 cfs

9/10

Best window: Thu — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

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

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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