Cascade Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is above the Clark Fork River canyon in the Lolo National Forest, reached by the Cascade Falls Trail (#242) from Cascade Campground on Montana Highway 135 between St. Regis and Paradise. The Forest Service lists the nature trail at 1.0 mile from the campground to the falls overlook, with benches along the way and views of the canyon. The final overlook spur (#242-A) is short and steep on a natural surface.
The Setting
Cascade Falls sits at 3,005 feet within Lolo National Forest, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Overlook At Cascade Falls (#242-A), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
OVERLOOK AT CASCADE FALLS #242-A
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.09 miTrail Description
The Cascade Falls Trail (#242) is a 1.0-mile National Forest nature trail from Cascade Campground to the Cascade Falls overlook, part of a National Recreation Trail, with benches along the way and at the overlook. Forest Service data list the overlook spur (#242-A) as about 0.1 mile with a native surface and 12 to 20 percent grades. A trail brochure is available at the campground.
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 Cascade Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on Lolo National Forest trails and must be leashed in Cascade Campground.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cascade Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is usually at its 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. Winter access may be limited. Check with Lolo National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall, especially after rain. Watch for wildlife and carry bear spray if hiking in bear country. Always stay on marked trails.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Clark Fork, 8.9 miles away, not on Cascade Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
10,300 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 116 years of record
4.59 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 Clark Fork near Plains MT (14 km away).
Today
Low
10300 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
10111 cfs
5/10Fri
Low
10206 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
11022 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
10810 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
11634 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
11736 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid 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 Paradise hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Cascade Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded big river, rarely freezes solid
Cascade Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 45°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 10300 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, 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 250 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,034 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 47 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 384 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
- 3,034 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 250 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
The trail starts at Cascade Campground on the south side of Montana Highway 135, about 18 miles east of St. Regis and about 6 miles from the Highway 135 and Highway 200 junction near Paradise.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at Cascade Campground or the adjacent Iron Mountain Trailhead on the south side of Highway 135.
Elevation
3,005 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.302079° N, -114.826396° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the return trip. Bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain.
Where to Stay
Rocky Point Ranch, Montana
Stunning A-Frame Cabin, Steps to Clark Fork River
Big Sky Motel
Little River Motel Saint Regis
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 Campground
0.2 miles away · 2 sites
Overview Scenic BywayClark Fork RiverIron Mountain TrailheadCascade FallsWildlifeDouglas-fir, ponderosa pine, and western larch treesRecreation CampingHikingFishingRaftingBoatingFacilities Cascade Campground has 11 sites plus 1 group site that are back in only and can accommodate RV's 27' to 35' in length depending on the site. All sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. A primitive boat ramp is available on Clark Fork River across the highway from the campground. Potable water, vault toilets
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Nearby Attractions
Cascade Campground has camping from May into September, with a primitive boat ramp and fishing access on the Clark Fork River across the highway. The Iron Mountain Trail (#242), a historic wagon road, also ends at the campground.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near Cascade Falls
Other waterfalls named Cascade Falls
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