Memorial Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
150 ft
About Memorial Falls
Memorial Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Little Belt Mountains of Montana. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty and relatively easy access. The trail leads to two waterfalls: the lower Memorial Falls and an upper waterfall further along the trail.
The Setting
Memorial Falls sits at 6,191 feet within Lewis & Clark National Forest, fed by the Belt Creek, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Memorial Falls (#738), a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 150 feet of elevation gain. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
MEMORIAL FALLS #738
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.02 miTrail Description
The trail to Memorial Falls is short and well-maintained, making it suitable for most visitors, including families with children. It follows a creek and features wooden bridges, leading to the lower falls. Adventurous hikers can continue a short distance further to view the upper falls.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Memorial Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Memorial Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a chance to see the falls frozen, though trail conditions may be icy.
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 Lewis & Clark National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain or during winter. Watch for icy patches and wear appropriate footwear. Always stay on the trail to avoid damaging the environment or risking injury.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 23.2 miles away
171 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 44 years of record
2.82 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
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 Belt Creek near Monarch MT (37 km away).
Today
Low
195 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
191 cfs
3/10Mon
Low
184 cfs
3/10Tue
Low
178 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
172 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
155 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
150 cfs
3/10Best window: Today — low flow, showers and thunderstorms (trip score 3/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, peaking in May.
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 Neihart hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Memorial Falls is located near Neihart, Montana, along Highway 89. The trailhead is well-marked and easily accessible from the highway.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, which can accommodate several vehicles. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
6,191 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.915365° N, -110.692945° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain or during spring snowmelt. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenic views.
This trail sits at 6,191 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 25% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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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.
For this easy 0.8 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
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
KINGS HILL CABIN
5.1 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Kings Hill Cabin, perched on Kings Hill Pass, presents the opportunity to stay in a historic log cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The hideaway is very quiet, with minimal highway noise. Open year-round, the cabin provides access to a mix of summer and winter recreation activities: Summer recreation opportunities include hiking, OHV'ing, birding, sight seeing. Winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, downhill sking at Showdown Ski Area which is just
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Bedford Hot Springs
Bedford Hot Springs discharges at 74°F with alkaline water (pH 8.2) in Broadwater County, Montana, at 3,966 feet elevation. USG...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Neihart, Montana on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the town of Neihart, the Kings Hill Scenic Byway, and other hiking trails in the Little Belt Mountains.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of potential wildlife such as bears and carry bear spray if hiking in the area.
Cities near Memorial Falls
Other waterfalls named Memorial Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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