LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Big Salmon Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Hard
Trail Length
5.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Big Salmon Falls
Big Salmon Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Montana, known for its natural beauty and remote setting. It is part of the Big Salmon Creek area, which is surrounded by lush forests and rugged terrain. The falls are a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat.
The Setting
Big Salmon Falls sits at 5,531 feet within Flathead National Forest, fed by the Mission Creek, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows Big Salmon Creek (#110), a 5.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
BIG SALMON CREEK #110
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
9.49 miTrail Description
The trail to Big Salmon Falls typically involves a challenging hike through the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Expect rugged terrain, river crossings, and dense forest. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and leads to the falls, which cascade beautifully into a rocky basin.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a remote and serene experience, with opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the pristine wilderness. The falls are surrounded by rugged terrain, making them a rewarding destination for experienced hikers.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Salmon Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
Permit required
A permit may be required for overnight stays in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Check with the local forest service office for details.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Salmon Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the falls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
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 Flathead National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail is remote and rugged, so visitors should be prepared for backcountry conditions. Carry bear spray, be aware of wildlife, and let someone know your plans before heading out. River crossings may be required, so exercise caution.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 25.9 miles away
20 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 43 years of record
1.90 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Mission Creek ab reservoir nr St. Ignatius MT (42 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
22 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
20 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
20 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
20 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
22 cfs
3/10Thu
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Condon 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 123 feet of drop through Big Salmon Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 5,560 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 105 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 89 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,560 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 123 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Big Salmon Falls is located in a remote area of Montana, typically accessed via trails in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Visitors should plan for a backcountry trip and ensure they have proper maps and navigation tools.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is typically available at trailheads leading into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Specific parking locations depend on the chosen trailhead.
Elevation
5,531 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.513056° N, -113.512115° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear for backcountry hiking. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and ensure you have a map or GPS device. Check trail conditions before your trip.
This trail sits at 5,531 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 22% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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.
Where to Stay
Secluded Bigfork Cabin with Canoes and Views!
Secluded Cabin w/ Mtn Views ~ 33 Mi to Bigfork!
Secluded Mtn-View Cabin 16 Mi to Swan Lake!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
OWL CREEK CABIN
5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Owl Creek Cabin is a rustic, single-room dwelling that can accommodate up to four guests. Horse campers enjoy the Owl Creek experience because a corral is available for use just 200 feet from the cabin. The corral may be reserved independently from the cabin by Clicking HERE Same day reservations may be made by contacting the Swan Lake Ranger Station during business hours at 406-837-7500. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and s
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Nearby Attractions
The Bob Marshall Wilderness offers numerous hiking trails, scenic vistas, and opportunities for fishing and camping.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, bears, and birds. Visitors should practice bear safety and be aware of their surroundings.
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