Morrell Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
5.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Morrell Falls
Morrell Falls is a picturesque two-tiered waterfall located in the Lolo National Forest near Seeley Lake, Montana. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a serene setting surrounded by lush forest and mountain views.
The Setting
Morrell Falls sits at 5,007 feet within Lolo National Forest, fed by the South Fork Jocko River, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Morrell Falls (#30), a 5.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
MORRELL FALLS #30
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
2.68 miTrail Description
The trail to Morrell Falls is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it suitable for most hikers. It winds through a scenic forested area with views of Morrell Creek and surrounding mountains. The trail ends at the base of the falls, where visitors can enjoy the stunning two-tiered cascade.
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 Morrell Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Morrell Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Morrell Falls is late spring through early fall, when the trail is most accessible and the waterfall flow is at its peak. Summer offers the warmest weather, while fall provides beautiful 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 prepared for changing weather conditions and carry bear spray. The area around the falls can be slippery, so caution is advised. Check trail conditions before visiting, especially in early spring or after heavy rains.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 19.6 miles away
22 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 42 years of record
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 South Fork Jocko River near Arlee MT (32 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
22 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
20 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
20 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
22 cfs
3/10Thu
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly 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 Seeley Lake 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 ground through the falls loses about 211 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,073 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 257 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 223 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,073 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 203 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening 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
Morrell Falls is accessed via the Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail, which begins at the Morrell Falls Trailhead. The trailhead is located approximately 6 miles from the town of Seeley Lake, Montana, and is reached by driving on gravel roads. Visitors should check local conditions for road accessibility, especially during spring or after heavy rains.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at the Morrell Falls Trailhead. Parking is free, but space may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
5,007 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.301048° N, -113.462854° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as parts of the trail may be muddy or uneven. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Start early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike.
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This easy 5.4 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
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
LAKE INEZ POINT 6 (GROUP CAMP SITE)
4.8 miles away · 4 sites
Overview Lake Inez Campground sits on the eastern shore of Lake Inez, a glacial-formed lake situated in a valley between the Swan and Mission Mountain ranges. Lake Inez is one of a half-dozen lakes within the valley known as the 'Chain of Lakes' through which the Clearwater River flows. The area is a popular for a variety of water-related recreation opportunities including motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing, paddling, swimming, and water skiing. Recreation • Lake Inez is a popular for
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Seeley Lake, Montana on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Seeley Lake, the Clearwater Canoe Trail, and other hiking trails in the Lolo National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds. Visitors should be cautious of bears and carry bear spray.
Cities near Morrell Falls
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