Buffalo Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
3D terrainBefore you go
We found no public trail or access point for Buffalo Falls, and the surrounding land is not listed as public. Get landowner permission before visiting.
Photo Credits (3)
About Buffalo Falls
Buffalo Falls is a named waterfall in Cascade County, Montana, mapped west of Great Falls near the Cascade Colony area. We found no trail, land manager or visitor information for it, and it does not appear to be on public land.
Trail & Hike Details
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Buffalo Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Buffalo Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Buffalo Falls is during the spring and early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler weather and colorful foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The trail may have uneven terrain and steep sections. Visitors should exercise caution, especially after rain when the trail can become slippery. Always stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the waterfall edge.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Sun River, 9.6 miles away, not on Buffalo Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
253 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
2.77 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
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. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Sun River at Simms MT (16 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
253 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
266 cfs
4/10Thu
Barely Flowing
253 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
266 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
264 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
266 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
270 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to early 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 Cascade Colony hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Buffalo Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Buffalo Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 44°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 253 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
The Terrain Around Buffalo Falls
High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Elevation
3,848 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.363084° N, -111.907935° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become muddy or slippery after rain. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
Remote Wolf Creek Cabin - Wide Open Spaces!
Off Grid Cozy Private Cabin
River's Bend Lodge
Pet-Friendly Augusta Cabin - Walk to Main Street!
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
Lowry Bridge
11.3 miles away · 0 sites
This pack-in/pack-out BLM recreation site is located along the Sun River and provides river access for rafting and fishing. Five campsites are available on a first come first served basis with fire rings and picnic tables. One vault toilet is available at the site and a new bear box has been installed due to increased bear activity in the area. The recreation site is accessed by an all-season county road that has a bridge with a 10-ton limit leading to a gravel loop for easy access to the camp si
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Wolf Creek, Montana
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Wolf Creek, Montana on SoakingSprings.
Explore Montana springsAdditional Information
Wildlife
The area around Buffalo Falls may feature wildlife such as deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious and respectful of wildlife.
Cities near Buffalo Falls
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