North Fork Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
15.7 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,810 ft
About North Fork Falls
North Fork Falls is a powerful waterfall on the North Fork Blackfoot River inside the Scapegoat Wilderness, in the Seeley Lake Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest. It is reached by Hobnail Tom Trail #32, which follows the river canyon about 7 miles to the North Fork guard cabin; a signed spur beyond the cabin leads to cliffs above the falls. It is a long day hike or an overnight trip, best during spring runoff.
The Setting
North Fork Falls sits at 5,407 feet within Lolo National Forest, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows East Fork (Of North Fork) (#481), a 15.7-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 1,810 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
EAST FORK (OF NORTH FORK) #481
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.90 miTrail Description
Hobnail Tom Trail #32 follows the North Fork Blackfoot River canyon from the North Fork Blackfoot trailhead to the North Fork guard cabin, about 7 miles in, then on to the falls, which are viewed from the cliffs above. The full out-and-back is about 15.7 miles with roughly 1,800 feet of gain. The canyon burned in 1988, so expect fire scars and possible blowdown.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at North Fork Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed in the Lolo National Forest and Scapegoat Wilderness; keep them under control in grizzly country.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at North Fork Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring to early fall is the best time to visit, as the trail is typically clear, and the waterfall flow is strongest during this period.
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
The trail enters grizzly country and a food storage order applies; hang food or use approved bear-resistant containers. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited in the wilderness. Use caution on the cliffs above the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on North Fork Blackfoot River, 17.5 miles away, not on North Fork 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 (28 km away).
Today
Low
160 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
157 cfs
6/10Thu
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 Helmville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is North Fork Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
North Fork Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 47°F to 34°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
Location & Access
Getting There
From MT Highway 200 near Ovando, take the gravel forest road (FR 5518) north to the North Fork Blackfoot trailhead, a gateway to the Scapegoat Wilderness. The road is passable for standard passenger vehicles.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The North Fork Blackfoot trailhead has parking with stock facilities, restrooms and camping. No fee is charged; sign in at the trailhead kiosk.
Elevation
5,407 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.194109° N, -112.894769° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
This is one of the first trails into the Scapegoat to melt out in spring. Bring water treatment, bear spray and insect repellent; black flies can be bad.
This trail sits at 5,407 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.
This challenging 15.7 miles trail gains 1,810 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
Where to Stay
Orion Farmstead
Hot Tub-Mountain View-Secluded-Entire Private Floor
Hot Tub-Awesome View-Secluded Apartment
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
12.9 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
The Scapegoat Wilderness trail network, the North Fork guard cabin, and the Blackfoot River valley around Ovando.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Visitors should exercise caution and carry bear spray.
Cities near North Fork Falls
Other waterfalls named North Fork Falls
5 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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