Are there fees or permits required for Boulder Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Boulder Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Boulder Falls.

Live Conditions · 789 ft³/s · About average

Boulder Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Boulder Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Boulder Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Boulder Falls, see below

Bitterroot National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Bill Gracey 31 Million Views CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

James St. John CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

High Trails CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

James St. John CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

5of7 CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

450 ft

About Boulder Falls

Boulder Falls sits tucked into the Bitterroot National Forest in western Montana and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The cascade is framed by dense conifers and granite outcrops, offering a peaceful, picture-ready destination for day hikers and nature lovers. Access to the falls follows the USFS BOULDER CREEK Trail (Trail #617), a route that rewards a moderate effort with close-up views of the rushing water and forested canyon. The hike to the falls is commonly done as a moderate out-and-back of about 3.2 miles with roughly 450 feet of elevation gain, though USFS records also note a GIS route length of 7.07 miles for the Boulder Creek trail system. Expect a native-surface tread with occasional steeper pitches — typical grade is 12–20% and the trail is class 3 in places, so hikers should be comfortable on uneven, sometimes rocky ground. Bring good footwear, be prepared for variable footing, and savor the quiet setting maintained within the Bitterroot National Forest under USFS care.

The Setting

Boulder Falls sits at 5,486 feet within Bitterroot National Forest, fed by the West Fork Bitterroot River, in the high mountains of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Boulder Creek (#617), a 3.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 450 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

BOULDER CREEK #617

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

7.07 mi

Trail Description

USFS BOULDER CREEK Trail (Trail #617) — class 3, surface: NAT (native material). Typical grade: 12–20%. GIS-recorded route: 7.07 miles; commonly used hiking route to the falls: 3.2 miles out-and-back with ~450 ft elevation gain. Difficulty: moderate. Trail tread is natural (dirt, roots, rock) with variable steep sections; expect uneven footing and short scrambling moves in class 3 portions. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service in Bitterroot National Forest.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with a waterfall surrounded by Montana's rugged landscape. The area may have uneven terrain and limited facilities.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Boulder Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Boulder Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be higher and the weather more favorable.

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 Bitterroot National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential wildlife encounters. Always check weather conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

789 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

154 632 1.5k 2.1k

Based on 84 years of record

2.85 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

West Fork Bitterroot River nr Conner MT

USGS 12342500

9.4 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 317 sq mi

Altitude: 4,581 ft

Know when to go.

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

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location of Boulder Falls in Montana is not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should plan ahead and check for nearby parking areas or trailheads.

Elevation

5486 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.859791° N, -114.307975° W

Land Management

Bitterroot National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear and bring water. Check local conditions before visiting, as access may vary depending on weather or trail maintenance.

This trail sits at 5,486 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.2 miles and 450 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

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

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Nearby Campground

MEDICINE POINT LOOKOUT

10.2 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Medicine Point Lookout is a historic tower located on Medicine Point, west of Sula. It has been restored to reflect a lookout of the 1940s, including the stove, furniture, dishes and other small touches. It offers a unique chance for visitors to camp on a mountain peak, near the scenic Bitterroot River in a rustic, old-time setting, while having the enjoyment of recreating on public lands. The tower provides spectacular views of the surrounding western Montana wilderness. Recreation An e

Book on Recreation.gov