Graves Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Graves Creek Falls
Graves Creek Falls is a peaceful cascade tucked into Montana’s Lolo National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls sit amid mature forest and make for a lovely destination for photographers and day hikers; the USFS approach follows WINNIEMUCK CREEK (Trail #506), which leads you into the creek corridor where the water tumbles over rock outcrops. The most commonly used route to the falls is an out-and-back trek of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. USFS trail data characterizes WINNIEMUCK CREEK Trail #506 as a native-material tread, Class 2, with typical grades of 12–20% (USFS GIS records also list the trail at 5.7 miles). If you’re planning an overnight or a longer stay, Cougar Peak Lookout campground is nearby (about 2.65 km), providing convenient camping within a short drive of the trailhead.
The Setting
Graves Creek Falls sits at 2,877 feet within Lolo National Forest, fed by the Prospect Creek, in the hills of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Winniemuck Creek (#506), a 0.1-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
WINNIEMUCK CREEK #506
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
5.70 miTrail Description
Trail: WINNIEMUCK CREEK (USFS Trail #506). Surface: native material. Class: 2. Typical grade: 12–20%. Length: commonly hiked as a 2.4-mile out-and-back to Graves Creek Falls with approximately 350 ft elevation gain (USFS GIS records list the trail at 5.7 miles). Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. Expect mostly native tread with moderate pitch and short steeper sections—suitable for hikers comfortable on uneven forest trails.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Graves Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Graves Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is strongest during these seasons.
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 near the water as rocks can be slippery. Check weather and road conditions before visiting, especially in winter. Carry bear spray if hiking in the area.
Current Water Conditions
42 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 69 years of record
0.50 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 Prospect Creek at Thompson Falls MT (15 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
42 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
41 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
41 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
41 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
44 cfs
3/10Thu
Barely Flowing
43 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
41 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late June, peaking in May.
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 Thompson Falls 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 210 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 2,865 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 222 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 92 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,865 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 210 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Graves Creek Falls is located off Graves Creek Road, approximately 15 miles northwest of Thompson Falls, Montana. The falls are accessible via a short drive on a gravel road, but conditions may vary depending on the season.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, but space may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
2,877 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.720873° N, -115.378096° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls may be slippery. Check road conditions before visiting, especially in winter or after heavy rains.
Where to Stay
Rimrock Lodge LLC
Rocky Point Ranch, Montana
Riverfront Motel & Cabins
Stardust Motel Wallace
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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Nearby Campground
COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT
1.6 miles away · 1 sites
Overview The Cougar Peak Lookout offers guests an opportunity to experience an old-time Forest Service lookout. The tower commands an impressive view of the river valley, the surrounding Cabinet Mountains and the opposing Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The structure is small and is not elevated like many other lookouts. The lookout can be accessed by vehicle, although late spring snow drifts may compromise parts of the road, requiring visitors to hike a short distance. Guests are responsible for their
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Nearby Attractions
Thompson Falls State Park, Kootenai Falls, Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Visitors should exercise caution and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
Cities near Graves Creek Falls
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