Kalispell Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Kalispell Falls
Kalispell Falls is a scenic, quietly secluded cascade tucked into the dense, forested slopes of northeastern Washington. Nestled within the Kaniksu National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls are framed by lush evergreens and offer a peaceful spot for photographers and hikers seeking a less-crowded nature visit. The setting feels intimate and restorative — a lovely reward after a short forest walk. Access to the falls follows the USFS KALISPELL ROCK Trail (Trail #370). The route is an out-and-back of roughly 2.4 miles (2.35 GIS miles) with about 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate; because the trail is less developed than some popular park routes, visits here tend to be quieter and more solitary than along major recreation corridors.
The Setting
Kalispell Falls sits at 3,399 feet within Kaniksu National Forest, fed by the Pend Oreille River, in the mountains of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Kalispell Rock (#370), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
KALISPELL ROCK #370
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
2.35 miTrail Description
USFS Trail KALISPELL ROCK (Trail #370) is an out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles (2.35 GIS miles) with approximately 350 feet of gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The tread is native material (NAT) — dirt and natural rock — and the trail is classified as Class 3. While the overall hike is moderate, some sections reach a typical grade of 12–20%, so you’ll encounter steeper pitches along the route. The path is well-shaded through forest; it can become muddy after rain, so sturdy, grippy footwear is recommended. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Kaniksu National Forest, Trail #370 provides straightforward access to the falls for day hikers.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kalispell Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kalispell Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Kaniksu National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and avoid venturing too close to the water. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 18 miles away
24,900 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 73 years of record
88.38 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PEND OREILLE RIVER BELOW BOX CANYON NEAR IONE, WA (29 km away).
Today
Roaring
27930 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Strong
27107 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
26167 cfs
10/10Mon
Strong
27333 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
30240 cfs
8/10Wed
Strong
31547 cfs
8/10Thu
Strong
34720 cfs
8/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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 Coolin 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 128 feet of descent through Kalispell Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 3,414 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 78 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 106 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,414 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 128 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Kalispell Falls is located within the Colville National Forest. Access is typically via forest service roads, which may require a high-clearance vehicle depending on conditions. Directions should be confirmed with the local ranger station.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the trailhead. Visitors should plan to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
Elevation
3,399 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.614694° N, -117.111237° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring bug spray during the summer months as mosquitoes can be present. Check with the Colville National Forest ranger station for current trail conditions before visiting.
Where to Stay
Beautiful Bungalow and Bunk House, Close to Lake
Unique Nordman Retreat 1 Mi to Priest Lake!
Beautiful Priest Lake Home on the Golf Course
Scenic Priest Lake Vacation Rental: Deck + Views!
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
Priest Lake Area
9.4 miles away · 0 sites
Priest Lake was originally called Roothaan Lake by Father Desmet in 1846 in honor of his Jesuit Superior in Rome. One of the prominent peaks in the Selkirk Range still bears the name Roothaan. In 1865, Captain John Mullan designated this same lake as Kaniksu Lake on one of his maps. It is believed that "Kaniksu" was the Indian name of Black Robe, although this has never been authenticated. The name was gradually changed in the early 1900's from Kaniksu Lake to its present name of Priest Lake, whi
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the Colville National Forest include Sullivan Lake and the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally black bears. Visitors should practice proper wildlife safety.
Cities near Kalispell Falls
Writing about Kalispell Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.