Calamity Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Calamity Falls
Calamity Falls tumbles through the rugged Beartooth Mountains into the East Rosebud Creek corridor, offering a peaceful reward framed by steep ridgelines and dense mountain forest. The falls sit on National Forest land managed by the U.S. Forest Service—within Custer National Forest—and make a great half-day destination for hikers who want dramatic scenery without a full-day commitment. Access to the falls is typically done via the West Fork Rock Creek route (USFS Trail #1). The approach is a moderate out-and-back that gains about 350 feet over roughly 2.4 miles, and the Cascade campground is conveniently close (about 5.65 km) for anyone looking to camp nearby before or after their hike.
The Setting
Calamity Falls sits at 8,212 feet within Custer National Forest, fed by the Rock Creek, in the high alpine of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows West Fork Rock Creek (#1), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
WEST FORK ROCK CREEK #1
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.23 miTrail Description
The route to Calamity Falls is an out-and-back roughly 2.4 miles long with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. Much of the approach follows the creek through mixed conifer forest and alpine foothills before reaching the falls. The U.S. Forest Service identifies the access as WEST FORK ROCK CREEK, Trail #1. The trail is classified as Class 3 on USFS records, with a surface of native material; a mapped segment of 0.23 GIS miles is associated with the official trail routing. Expect an unpaved tread with some steeper or rockier sections where footing requires care.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Calamity Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Calamity Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is free of snow and the waterfall flow is at its peak due to snowmelt.
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 Custer National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
141 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 25 years of record
5.80 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Rock Creek near Red Lodge MT (17 km away).
Today
Moderate
161 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
156 cfs
6/10Mon
Moderate
137 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
128 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
136 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
134 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
127 cfs
9/10Best window: Mon — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to mid August, 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 Roscoe 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 157 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 8,194 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 140 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 46 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,194 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 157 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Calamity Falls is accessed via the East Rosebud Trail, which begins at the East Rosebud Lake Trailhead. The trailhead is located near Roscoe, Montana, and can be reached by driving along East Rosebud Road. The road is gravel but typically passable for most vehicles during the summer months.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the East Rosebud Lake Trailhead. The parking area may fill up during peak hiking seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Hours
Elevation
8,212 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.161590° N, -109.521004° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be present. Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends or holidays.
This trail sits at 8,212 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.
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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.
Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)
Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.
Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex
Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.
Where to Stay
Beartooth Hideaway Inn & Cabins
Hotel Expedition
Rock Creek Resort
Red Lodge Vacation Rental with Mountain Views!
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
CASCADE
3.5 miles away · 30 sites
Overview Cascade Campground is located 11 miles west of Red Lodge, in southern Montana. It conveniently sits along Forest Road 2071, which is paved for most of the route. The area is a popular location for hiking, backpacking and fishing. Recreation Fishing is a popular activity along the West Fork of Rock Creek and at nearby Wild Bill Lake. The small lake is open to kayaking and canoeing, and an accessible fishing dock is located on the shore. The Basin Lakes Trailhead is three miles away, acros
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls along the East Rosebud Trail, such as Impasse Falls and Elk Lake. East Rosebud Lake is also a popular spot for fishing and picnicking.
Wildlife
The area is home to wildlife such as deer, elk, black bears, and various bird species. Be cautious and carry bear spray when hiking.
Cities near Calamity Falls
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