Ousel Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
250 ft
About Ousel Falls
Ousel Falls, just outside Big Sky, Montana, is a compact, picture-perfect cascade that tumbles into a rocky pool surrounded by a quiet, forested corridor. The short approach and photogenic setting make it a favorite for hikers, families and nature photographers looking for an accessible taste of Montana's mountain scenery without a long trek. The official route is a 1.6-mile out-and-back with roughly 250 feet of elevation gain and an Easy difficulty rating, so it's a good half-day outing for most fitness levels. The trail is well-maintained and features tranquil forest stretches and the sound of rushing water as you near the falls. The nearest listed campground in the provided data is Bear Creek Cabin, about 19 km away in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
The Setting
Ousel Falls sits at 6,614 feet along the Gallatin River, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 250 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Length: 1.6 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~250 feet. Difficulty: Easy. Surface: mixed dirt and gravel with short rockier sections near the falls. Grade: generally gentle and relatively flat, with a few short inclines as you approach the viewpoint. Trail type/class: standard hiking trail suitable for most users (well-maintained footpath). Trail features include multiple wooden footbridges that cross the South Fork of the West Fork Gallatin River and clear signage along the route, making navigation straightforward for families and casual hikers.
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 Ousel Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ousel Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Ousel Falls is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery, while fall provides vibrant foliage. Winter transforms the area into a snowy wonderland, but the trail may require extra caution.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
In winter, the trail can be icy and slippery. Wear appropriate footwear and use caution. Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife.
Current Water Conditions
246 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 7 years of record
4.84 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Gallatin River above Deer Creek, near Big Sky, MT (12 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
246 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
246 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
246 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
280 cfs
3/10Tue
Barely Flowing
263 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
246 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
246 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Big Sky 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 95 feet of descent through Ousel Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 6,598 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 77 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 126 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,598 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 95 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Ousel Falls is located near Big Sky, Montana. From Big Sky Town Center, take Ousel Falls Road south for about 2.5 miles to the trailhead parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at the Ousel Falls trailhead, which is free to use. It can fill up during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
6,614 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.239095° N, -111.341624° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring sturdy shoes, especially in winter when the trail may be icy. Pack water and snacks, and consider bringing a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
This trail sits at 6,614 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 26% 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.
This easy 1.6 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Whitewater Inn
Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
Huntley Lodge at Big Sky Resort
Big Sky Chalet Private Hot Tub plus Mountain Views
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
Bear Creek Cabin (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, MT)
11.8 miles away · 1 sites
Overview The Bear Creek Cabin, located at the base of the west slope of the Madison Range, allows visitors to experience southwestern Montana's vast wilderness areas, including wide open fields and a variety of nearby mountain ranges. Situated on the Trail Fork of Bear Creek, the cabin offers a scenic location to enjoy activities such as hunting, skiing, snowshoeing, as well as hiking and horseback riding on nearby trails. A smaller cabin, Bear Creek Bunkhouse, is located about 100 feet to the we
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Nearby Attractions
Big Sky Town Center, Gallatin River, Yellowstone National Park (approximately 50 miles away).
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Visitors should carry bear spray and be aware of their surroundings.
Cities near Ousel Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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