LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Monture Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
800 ft
About Monture Falls
Monture Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the Lolo National Forest in Montana. It is a lesser-known destination, offering visitors a serene and remote experience surrounded by lush forest and rugged terrain.
The Setting
Monture Falls sits at 5,449 feet within Lolo National Forest, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Monture (#27), a 6.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 800 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
MONTURE #27
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
12.74 miTrail Description
The trail to Monture Falls follows Monture Creek through a beautiful forested area. The path is well-defined but may have some rocky or uneven sections. Visitors will enjoy views of the creek, wildflowers, and surrounding wilderness before reaching the falls.
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 Monture Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Monture Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Monture Falls is in late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.
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 Lolo National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should be aware of potential wildlife encounters, including bears. Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking. The trail may be slippery near the falls, so caution is advised. Check weather conditions before heading out, as the area can experience sudden storms.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on North Fork Blackfoot River, 20.1 miles away, not on Monture Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
160 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 28 years of record
4.37 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NF Blackfoot R ab Dry Gulch nr Ovando MT (32 km away).
Today
Low
160 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
157 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
155 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
154 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
162 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
166 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
167 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid 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 Ovando hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Monture Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Monture Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 45°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 157 ft³/s
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 174 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,432 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 225 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 42 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,432 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 174 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Monture Falls is accessed via the Monture Creek Trailhead, located near Ovando, Montana. The trailhead can be reached by driving along Monture Road, which is a gravel road. A high-clearance vehicle may be recommended depending on road conditions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area available at the Monture Creek Trailhead. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
5,449 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.264663° N, -113.175892° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as Montana's weather can be unpredictable. Bug spray is recommended during the summer months.
This trail sits at 5,449 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV 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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 6.0 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Where to Stay
Hot Tub-Mountain View-Secluded-Entire Private Floor
Hot Tub-Awesome View-Secluded Apartment
Hike, Bike & Boat: Cabin w/ Dock on Seeley Lake!
Silvertip Trailhead 2
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
MONTURE GUARD STATION CABIN
9.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Monture Guard Station sits in the Lolo National Forest in western Montana, offering a variety of excellent winter recreation for visitors. Recreation Monture Guard Station offers modern amenities and furnishings just like home, but it also provides access to a variety of outdoor winter recreation opportunities that can only be enjoyed in a National Forest. A system of groomed trails surrounds the cabin and the nearby Seeley Lake, leaving lots of land for exploration. The area also offers
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and the Blackfoot River, which offer additional hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and birds. Visitors should exercise caution and carry bear spray.
Cities near Monture Falls
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