Big Falls
Montana • 87 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Before you go
The falls are best seen from Ryan Island Park, operated by NorthWestern Energy and open from Mother's Day through Labor Day, daylight to dark.
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Big Falls
Big Falls — historically called Great Falls or the Roar of Steam — is the lowermost and largest of the Great Falls of the Missouri. The curtain of water plunges about 87 feet (27 m) and can spread as wide as 900 feet (270 m) at peak flow, a striking reminder of the Missouri River’s power. Today most of the river’s flow is diverted to the 60-megawatt hydroelectric plant at nearby Ryan Dam, so what once roared year-round can be reduced to a trickle during summer months, giving visitors a vivid view of how hydropower has reshaped the river. Big Falls makes for an easy, rewarding stop for day hikers, families, and photographers drawn to Montana’s river landscapes and industrial history. Short access and clear viewpoints let you quickly reach dramatic overlooks of the falls and the Missouri River; bring a camera and expect changing water levels that tell the story of natural drama and engineered change.
The Setting
Big Falls sits at 3,012 feet in the mountains of Montana. The falls drop 87 feet.
Height: 87 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Rainbow Falls (47 ft) lies 4.6 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Crooked Falls (19 ft, 4.1 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Big Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
From the Ryan Island Park parking area, a short walk across a suspension footbridge over the power plant channel leads to the island. The National Park Service says the best view of the falls is from the island's highest point.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 87 feet.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring runoff, from the park's opening in May into June, brings the most water over the falls. By mid-summer much of the river's flow can be diverted to the power plant.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Stay behind railings at the viewpoints and away from the river and the power plant channel, where flows can change quickly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Missouri River, 3.1 miles away, not on Big Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
4,120 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 70 years of record
3.00 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Missouri River near Great Falls MT (5 km away).
Today
Moderate
4090 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
4113 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
4270 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
4052 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
4474 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
4497 cfs
5/10Wed
Moderate
4513 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, 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 Malmstrom AFB hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Big Falls Frozen?
Updated about 22 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Big Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 63°F to 46°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 4090 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Montana.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From Great Falls, take 15th Street North, which becomes US 87 North, for 3 miles, turn right on Morony Dam Road for 6.5 miles, then bear right on Ryan Dam Road to Ryan Island Park at 160 Ryan Dam Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Ryan Island Park has a parking area, public restrooms and picnic shelters. A suspension footbridge leads from the mainland to the island viewpoint.
Elevation
3,012 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.569964° N, -111.123024° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or early summer for the best water flow. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in places. Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends.
Where to Stay
Wingate by Wyndham Great Falls
The Great Falls Inn By Riversage
The Gibson Hotel Great Falls, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Hotel Arvon
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the area include Giant Springs State Park and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
Cities near Big Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Big Falls
23 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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