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.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Hoodoo Cascade near Big Sky, Montana, showing about 105 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 246 ft³/s · About average

Hoodoo Cascade

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hoodoo Cascade?

No, dogs are not allowed at Hoodoo Cascade.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

2.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

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 48°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 about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

246 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 7 years of record

4.84 ft

Water depth at gauge

48°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 48 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 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 538 sq mi

Altitude: 5,875 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Gallatin River above Deer Creek, near Big Sky, MT (10 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

246 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

246 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

246 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

246 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

280 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

263 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

246 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

246 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

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 Big Sky 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.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 105 feet of drop through Hoodoo Cascade, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 7,007 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 79 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 77 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Hoodoo Cascade near Big Sky, Montana, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 7,007 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 105 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

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

6,985 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