Are there fees or permits required for Moyie Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Moyie Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Moyie Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Moyie Falls.

Live Conditions · 4,960 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Moyie Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Moyie Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Moyie Falls.

Idaho

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Moyie Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

beltz6 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

waterarchives CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Tony Webster CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Moyie Falls

Moyie Falls sits near Moyie Springs in northern Idaho where the Moyie River plunges through a scenic gorge, creating a dramatic, photogenic drop surrounded by forested banks. The setting feels like a peaceful retreat—popular with day-hikers and photographers looking for a quick nature fix without a long backcountry commitment. If you’re camping, Smith Lake Campground is only about 8.25 km away, making Moyie Falls an easy day trip from a tent or RV site.

The Setting

Moyie Falls sits at 1,939 feet along the Kootenai River Bel Moyie River, in the hills of Idaho.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail is relatively short but climbs enough to warrant a steady pace; footing can be unpaved and uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Expect several viewpoints along the route, including access from a nearby bridge that offers clear views of the falls and river below.

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 Moyie Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Moyie Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the falls and river, as the terrain can be slippery and the currents are strong. Stay on designated paths and avoid getting too close to the edge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 17 hours ago Moderate

4,960 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5.0k 8.8k 25.6k 28.4k

Based on 16 years of record

71.48 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

KOOTENAI RIVER BEL MOYIE RIVER NR BONNERS FERRY ID

USGS 12308000

2.5 miles from waterfall

Altitude: 1,781 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge KOOTENAI RIVER BEL MOYIE RIVER NR BONNERS FERRY ID (4 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

4960 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

5357 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

5779 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

4566 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

5530 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

5559 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

5880 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

6066 cfs

6/10

Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late June, 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 Moyie Springs hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Moyie Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid

Moyie Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 40°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 4960 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 Idaho.

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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 173 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,950 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 361 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 251 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Moyie Falls near Moyie Springs, Idaho, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Moyie Falls near Moyie Springs, Idaho, showing about 173 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,950 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 173 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Moyie Falls is located near the town of Moyie Springs, Idaho, and can be accessed via Highway 2. The falls are situated near the Moyie River Bridge, and visitors can park nearby to view the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Moyie River Bridge, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should exercise caution when parking as the area is close to the highway.

Elevation

1,939 feet above sea level

Coordinates

48.732996° N, -116.175473° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during spring or early summer for the most impressive water flow. Be cautious near the river and falls, as the terrain can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.