Difficulty
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
Based on a USGS gauge 20.1 miles away
628 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 26 years of record
5.43 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
Moderate
716 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Moderate
751 cfs
4/10Sun
Moderate
712 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
662 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
635 cfs
5/10Wed
Moderate
621 cfs
4/10Thu
Moderate
598 cfs
4/10Best window: Sun — moderate flow, rain (trip score 5/10).
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.
Weather Forecast
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.
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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.
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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