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About Martin Falls
Martin Falls is a waterfall on Martin Creek in the Salish Mountains about 5 miles west of Olney, Montana, on Flathead National Forest land. No published trail guide or official route to the falls exists, but Forest Service road data show Martin Creek Road passing close by.
The Setting
Martin Falls sits at 3,753 feet within Flathead National Forest, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for individuals with limited mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Martin Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on Flathead National Forest land and must be kept on a leash in developed recreation sites.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Martin Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Martin Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Flathead National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on the trail, as it may be slippery or uneven in places. Check weather conditions before visiting, and avoid the area during heavy rain or snow.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Whitefish River, 25.3 miles away, not on Martin Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1.45 ft
Water depth at gauge
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 Whitefish River near Kalispell MT (41 km away).
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 Olney hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Martin Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Martin Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 40°F to 29°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Montana.
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 169 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,710 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 135 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 68 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,710 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 169 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
Forest Service road data show Martin Creek Road (NFSR 910), a gravel road rated for passenger cars, passing within about 100 yards of the falls. No trail to the falls is mapped; check road conditions with the Flathead National Forest before going.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
3,753 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.566909° N, -114.686258° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or early summer for the best water flow. Bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities nearby. Be prepared for potential muddy or slippery conditions, especially after rain.
Where to Stay
Good Medicine Lodge
North Forty Resort
Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge
Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
SOUTH DICKEY LAKE
11.3 miles away · 1 sites
Overview South Dickey Lake is a popular day use group picnic area on the shores of beautiful Dickey Lake. It provides access to a grassy swimming beach. There are 5 day use sites, but only one site can be reserved. All other sites are first come-first serve. Recreation The lake provides ample opportunity for boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing. Anglers can expect a catch of kokanee salmon, kamloop and rainbow trout. A grassy lawn gently slopes down to the lake.Facilities The reservable gr
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and carry bear spray if hiking in bear country.
Cities near Martin Falls
Other waterfalls named Martin Falls
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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