Colter Falls (historical)
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
About Colter Falls (historical)
Colter Falls is a historical cascade on the upper Missouri River in north-central Montana and was the second of the Great Falls of the Missouri River series along a roughly 10-mile (16 km) stretch. Before the early 20th-century construction of Rainbow Dam the drop at Colter Falls measured about 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). Today the falls themselves sit submerged beneath the reservoir created by Rainbow Dam, so the site is valued more for its place in the river’s dramatic waterfall corridor and regional history than as an active, visible waterfall. While you won’t find a free-flowing drop to admire, the Colter Falls locale is inviting for hikers and riverfront visitors who want to experience the Great Falls corridor. Trails and viewpoints near Rainbow Dam and along the Missouri River let you trace the same riverine landscape that once featured Colter’s brief cascade, offering a quiet, interpretive outing for those interested in geology and the river’s changing uses over time.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Big Falls (87 ft) lies 4.8 miles to the east. Also nearby: Rainbow Falls (47 ft, 0.5 mi) and Crooked Falls (19 ft, 0.9 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no dedicated trail that leads directly to Colter Falls because the falls are submerged. No specific USFS trail name or number, and no detailed USFS surface/grade/class information, are provided for a trail to the submerged falls; instead hikers use nearby riverfront trails and viewpoints around Rainbow Dam to view and learn about the historic waterfall site.
What to Expect
Visitors should not expect to see Colter Falls, as it is no longer visible. Instead, the area offers views of the Missouri River, the Rainbow Dam, and surrounding landscapes.
Accessibility
Accessibility may vary depending on the specific location around Rainbow Dam. Some viewpoints and trails may be accessible to individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Colter Falls (historical)?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Colter Falls (historical)?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and summer are ideal for visiting the area around Rainbow Dam, as the weather is typically mild and the surrounding landscapes are lush.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution near the dam and reservoir due to strong currents and restricted areas. Follow all posted signs and guidelines.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Missouri River, 7.9 miles away, not on Colter Falls (historical)'s own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
3,960 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 70 years of record
2.95 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
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 Missouri River near Great Falls MT (13 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
3960 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
3860 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
3882 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
3903 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
4053 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
3846 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
3932 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 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 Black Eagle hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Colter Falls (historical) Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Colter Falls (historical) is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 42°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 3930 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
Location & Access
Getting There
Colter Falls was located near Great Falls, Montana, on the Missouri River. The site is now submerged under the reservoir created by Rainbow Dam.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the Rainbow Dam area, which provides access to views of the Missouri River and the surrounding landscape.
Elevation
3,251 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.537460° N, -111.214695° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a camera to capture the scenic views of the Missouri River and Rainbow Dam. Check local regulations for access and safety guidelines.
Where to Stay
Wingate by Wyndham Great Falls
The Gibson Hotel Great Falls, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Hotel Arvon
Comfort Inn Great Falls South
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Giant Springs State Park, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and other waterfalls along the Missouri River such as Rainbow Falls and Black Eagle Falls.
Wildlife
The area around the Missouri River is home to various bird species, deer, and other wildlife. Visitors may spot animals while exploring the region.
Cities near Colter Falls (historical)
Nearby Waterfalls
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