Are there fees or permits required for Knowles Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Knowles Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Knowles Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Knowles Falls.

Live Conditions · 104 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Knowles Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Knowles Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Knowles Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

About Knowles Falls

Knowles Falls sits within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park and is managed by the National Park Service, making it a quietly scenic stop in the park’s Montana portion. While not one of Yellowstone’s marquee attractions, the falls reward visitors who seek a more secluded stretch of river and forest — perfect for photographers and hikers looking to escape the busiest overlooks. Yellowstone, established in 1872 as the first U.S. national park, protects wide-ranging landscapes, and Knowles Falls is a subtle example of the park’s less-visited natural character. Access to the falls is along a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail that climbs roughly 350 feet and is rated moderate, so it’s a doable half-day outing for most hikers who are comfortable with uneven footing and some route-finding. If you’re camping nearby, Eagle Creek Campground in the Custer Gallatin National Forest lies about 7.6 km from the trailhead and makes a convenient basecamp for a multi-day visit.

The Setting

Knowles Falls sits at 5,502 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Gardner River, in the high mountains of Montana.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Osprey Falls (150 ft) lies 7.1 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Wraith Falls (79 ft, 5.4 mi) and Undine Falls (60 ft, 5.2 mi).

Osprey Falls Wraith Falls Undine Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail stats: 2.4 miles total (out-and-back), approximately 350 feet of elevation gain, difficulty: moderate. The route is an out-and-back hike through park-managed terrain in Yellowstone National Park (NPS). There is no USFS trail number for this route because the feature and access sit on National Park Service land rather than a U.S. Forest Service unit. Trail conditions can be variable: expect uneven footing and sections that require basic navigation, so bring a map, wear sturdy footwear, and allow extra time for slower footing. The nearest formal campground is Eagle Creek Campground (Custer Gallatin National Forest), about 7.6 km away, for those planning an overnight stay; beyond that, services are limited, so carry water and be prepared for backcountry conditions.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil and remote waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area is relatively undeveloped, so amenities are minimal or nonexistent.

Accessibility

The site is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging to reach due to unpaved roads and uneven terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Knowles Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Knowles Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for exploration.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and strong river currents. Cell phone service may be limited, so plan accordingly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

104 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

101 116 141 159

Based on 76 years of record

1.83 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

Gardner River near Mammoth, YNP

USGS 06191000

4.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 199 sq mi

Altitude: 5,624 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Gardner River near Mammoth, YNP (8 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

104 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

104 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

103 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

111 cfs

3/10

Mon

Low

120 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

110 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

102 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

104 cfs

5/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late 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 Jardine 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 283 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 5,500 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 319 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 174 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Knowles Falls near Jardine, Montana, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Knowles Falls near Jardine, Montana, showing about 283 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,500 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 283 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; 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 northeast).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Knowles Falls is located near the Clark Fork River in western Montana. Access typically requires navigating unpaved roads and may involve a short hike depending on the route taken. Visitors should consult local maps or guides for precise directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may require finding a suitable spot along nearby roads or trails. There is no designated parking lot.

Elevation

5,502 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.012013° N, -110.594602° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the area is remote and trails may not be well-marked. Check weather conditions before visiting, as unpaved roads can become difficult to navigate in wet conditions.

This trail sits at 5,502 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 22% 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.

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

Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest

4.7 miles away · 20 sites

Reservable

Overview Eagle Creek Campground is located 2 miles northeast of the town of Gardiner on Jardine Road and approximately 55 miles south of the city of Livingston along scenic HWY 89 S. At an elevation of 6100 feet, the campground overlooks Yellowstone National Park's majestic peaks. This 20-site campground has gravel roads with unpaved sites that accommodate a maximum of 48’ RVs. The Yellowstone River Trailhead is also located within this campground. Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and ho

Book on Recreation.gov