Are there fees or permits required for Hoodoo Cascade?

No, there are no fees required to visit Hoodoo Cascade.

Is swimming allowed at Hoodoo Cascade?

No, swimming is not allowed at Hoodoo Cascade.

Live Conditions · 1,110 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Hoodoo Cascade

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hoodoo Cascade?

No, dogs are not allowed at Hoodoo Cascade.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Gallatin National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Hoodoo Cascade

Hoodoo Cascade is a quiet, photogenic waterfall tucked into Gallatin National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The cascade sits amid forested slopes and distinctive rock formations, offering a peaceful reward for a short hike. Access is via the USFS Table Mountain Trail (Trail #445), and the approach frames the waterfall as a pleasant moderate outing rather than a strenuous climb. The route to Hoodoo Cascade is an out-and-back of about 2.0 miles with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain, and USFS data notes Class 3 sections on Table Mountain Trail #445 with native-material tread. Those features make the hike best suited to moderately experienced hikers who are comfortable on uneven, occasionally steep or scrambling terrain. For overnight options, Gallatin Canyon campground (Hwy 191 & Big Sky) is approximately 5.7 km away, making car camping a convenient base for an early-morning visit or sunset linger by the falls.

The Setting

Hoodoo Cascade sits at 6,985 feet within Gallatin National Forest, fed by the Gallatin River, in the high mountains of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Table Mountain (#445), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

TABLE MOUNTAIN #445

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.84 mi

Trail Description

USFS Trail: Table Mountain Trail, Trail #445. Trail type: out-and-back, total length 2.0 miles with about 300 ft elevation gain. Difficulty: Moderate. Surface: native material. USFS class: 3 (expect steeper sections requiring hands-on scrambling in places). USFS GIS shows a 0.84-mile mapped segment of the trail within the immediate area. The tread is natural and can be uneven and rocky—sturdy footwear and basic route confidence are recommended; brief steeper pitches and loose rock are the primary technical considerations.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil hike through a forested area leading to a cascading waterfall surrounded by unique rock formations. The area is relatively secluded, offering a peaceful experience.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hoodoo Cascade?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hoodoo Cascade?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest 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 Gallatin National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 24 minutes ago Roaring

1,110 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 7 years of record

5.95 ft

Water depth at gauge

46°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display. Water temperature is very cold at 46 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

Gallatin River above Deer Creek, near Big Sky, MT

USGS 06043120

6.1 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 538 sq mi

Altitude: 5,875 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Hoodoo Cascade is located in a remote area of Montana, and access typically requires navigating forest roads. Visitors should consult local maps or GPS for precise directions, as signage may be limited.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may be located along forest roads or at a small trailhead nearby.

Elevation

6985 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.382984° N, -111.245231° W

Land Management

Gallatin National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become muddy or slippery after rain. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby.

This trail sits at 6,985 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 28% 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.

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.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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

Gallatin Canyon, Hwy 191 & Big Sky

3.5 miles away · 0 sites

Recreation sites in Gallatin Canyon and further south along the Gallatin River and Highway 191. Big Sky recreational areas are also included in this travel corridor.

Book on Recreation.gov