LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Impasse Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Hard
Trail Length
7.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Impasse Falls
Impasse Falls is a remote and stunning waterfall located in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana. It is known for its dramatic drop and pristine wilderness setting, making it a favorite among experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts. The waterfall is part of the East Rosebud Creek drainage and is surrounded by rugged alpine scenery.
The Setting
Impasse Falls sits at 9,009 feet within Custer National Forest, fed by the West Rosebud Creek, in the high alpine of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows East Rosebud (#15), a 7.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
EAST ROSEBUD #15
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
15.74 miTrail Description
The trail to Impasse Falls follows the East Rosebud Trail, which is well-maintained but challenging due to its length and elevation gain. Hikers will pass through stunning alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and rugged mountain terrain. The falls are located in a remote area, requiring a significant hike to reach.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Impasse Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Impasse Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring through early fall when the trail is free of snow and the weather is more predictable. Summer offers the most accessible conditions.
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 Custer National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and carry bear spray, as the area is known for bear activity. Ensure you have adequate supplies and navigation tools, as the trail is remote and cell service is limited.
Current Water Conditions
88 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 59 years of record
0.92 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 West Rosebud Creek near Roscoe MT (14 km away).
Today
Moderate
88 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
88 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
89 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
90 cfs
9/10Wed
Strong
101 cfs
7/10Thu
Strong
89 cfs
10/10Fri
Moderate
82 cfs
9/10Best window: Thu — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early June to early September, peaking in July.
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 Cooke City 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 255 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 9,005 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 257 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 193 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 9,005 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 255 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Impasse Falls is located along the East Rosebud Trail, which is part of the Beaten Path, a popular multi-day backpacking route in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The trailhead is accessible from the East Rosebud Lake area, which can be reached via East Rosebud Road from Roscoe, Montana.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the East Rosebud Trailhead. The lot may fill up during peak hiking seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
9,009 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.117721° N, -109.742397° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to allow plenty of time for the hike and to secure parking. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear for changing weather conditions. Be prepared for a strenuous hike and ensure you have a map or GPS device, as cell service is limited.
This trail sits at 9,009 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.
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.
Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)
Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.
Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex
Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.
Where to Stay
Alpine Motel of Cooke City
Antlers Lodge
Elk Horn Lodge Motel and Cabins
Soda Butte Lodge
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
East Rosebud Campground
7.7 miles away · 0 sites
East Rosebud Campground is nestled in the trees, not far from East Rosebud Lake. East Rosebud is considered one of the more scenic drainages in the Beartooths and the campground is a short distance from the East Rosebud Trail (#15), Spread Creek Trail (#13), and Phantom Creek Trail (#17). Jimmy Joe Campground and Sand Dunes Picnic Ground also located in the East Rosebud drainage.*Please be advised that much of the area directly around East Rosebud Lake is private property. Fishing or boat access
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Nearby Attractions
Other highlights along the East Rosebud Trail include Elk Lake, Rimrock Lake, and Rainbow Lake. The Beaten Path trail continues beyond Impasse Falls, offering more opportunities for exploration.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, mountain goats, and bears. Birdwatchers may spot eagles, hawks, and other alpine species.
Cities near Impasse Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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