Are there fees or permits required for Big Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Big Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Big Falls.

Live Conditions · 4,320 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Big Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Big Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Big Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Also For 23 other waterfalls also named Big Falls, see below

Photo Credits (3)

Simon Foot CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

waterarchives CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

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 along the Missouri River, in the mountains of Montana.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Rainbow Falls (47 ft) lies 4.6 miles to the southwest.

Rainbow Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The access to Big Falls is an easy out-and-back of about 0.6 miles with roughly 100 feet of elevation gain. The short route is suitable for most fitness levels and leads to established viewpoints of the falls and the Missouri River; plan on a brief, scenic walk to reach the main lookout.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Falls?

✅ Dogs are 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 summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Big Falls, as the snowmelt ensures a strong flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry bear spray if hiking in bear country.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

4,320 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

4.7k 5.8k 16.3k 23.6k

Based on 69 years of record

3.06 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

Missouri River near Great Falls MT

USGS 06090300

3.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 22,881 sq mi

Altitude: 2,807 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Missouri River near Great Falls MT (5 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

4320 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

4925 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

4854 cfs

5/10

Sun

Moderate

4551 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

4778 cfs

4/10

Tue

Moderate

4444 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

4349 cfs

4/10

Thu

Moderate

4347 cfs

8/10

Best window: Tue — moderate flow, mostly 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.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Big Falls is located within the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead near the falls, with the nearest town being Great Falls, Montana. Specific directions may vary depending on the chosen route.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

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.

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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.