Are there fees or permits required for Canyon Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Canyon Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Canyon Falls.

Canyon Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Canyon Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Canyon Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 4 other waterfalls also named Canyon Falls, see below

Bitterroot National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

orkybash CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

High Trails CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Canyon Falls

Canyon Falls sits in a wooded canyon of Montana and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Bitterroot National Forest. The falls are reached via the USFS Canyon Creek Trail (Trail #525), which threads through native forest and offers classic mountain waterfall views — a short, scenic outing that rewards photographers and day-hikers alike. The route and surrounding land are administered by the USFS, so trail conditions and signage follow Forest Service maintenance and standards. The hike to the falls is a moderate, out-and-back romp of about 2.0 miles with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain (USFS GIS mileage recorded as 2.48 miles). For overnight options, Blodgett Campground is nearby, about 6.59 km from the trailhead, providing a convenient base for multi-day exploration of the Bitterroot's trails and streams.

The Setting

Canyon Falls sits at 7,165 feet within Bitterroot National Forest, in the high mountains of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Canyon Creek (#525), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

CANYON CREEK #525

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

2.48 mi

Trail Description

Canyon Creek Trail (USFS Trail #525) is classified Class 2 and is a native-material surface (NAT) trail that typically grades 12–20%. The route is roughly 2.0 miles out-and-back (USFS GIS: 2.48 miles) with about 300 feet of cumulative elevation gain and is rated moderate. The trail is non-technical but can be steep in places; expect a natural tread of dirt, roots and rock. Sturdy footwear and standard day-hiking preparation are recommended for this moderate forest hike.

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 Canyon Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Canyon Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall flow is at its peak.

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

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail can become hazardous in wet or snowy conditions.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Hamilton 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.

1-meter lidar measures about 237 feet of descent through Canyon Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 7,175 feet above sea level.

Above the falls the ground is nearly level, then it breaks away and keeps dropping about 328 feet over the next 500 feet downstream. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Canyon Falls near Hamilton, Montana, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Canyon Falls near Hamilton, Montana, showing about 237 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 7,175 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 237 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Canyon Falls is located near Big Timber, Montana, and can be accessed via the West Boulder River area. Visitors typically drive to a trailhead and hike to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

7,165 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.244979° N, -114.321960° W

Land Management

Bitterroot National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

This trail sits at 7,165 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 29% 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 2.0 miles and 300 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

Blodgett Campground

4.1 miles away · 0 sites

Blodgett Campground consists of 5 campsites, 1 walk-in site, plus 1 host site, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. There are two accessible campsites. The campground rests under the towering cliff faces of Blodgett Canyon which are very popular to rock climbers. Blodgett Canyon Picnic Area is across Blodgett Creek. Campground can accommodate RV's or trailers to 45 feet.

Book on Recreation.gov