Are there fees or permits required for Paradise Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Paradise Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Paradise Falls.

Nearby gauge (Tenmile Creek) · 6 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Paradise Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Paradise Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Paradise Falls.

Montana • 15 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 3 other waterfalls also named Paradise Falls, see below

Helena National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (4)

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

About Paradise Falls

Paradise Falls is a cascade about 15 feet high on Left Hand Fork Deadman Creek, roughly 0.3 mile above its junction with Deadman Creek and about 23 miles north-northwest of Helena in the Helena National Forest. The name was approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names in 2007; some locals call it Deadman Falls. We have not found a documented trail, trailhead or hiking distance for the falls.

The Setting

Paradise Falls sits at 5,377 feet within Helena National Forest, in the high mountains of Montana. The falls drop 15 feet.

Height: 15 feet

Trail & Hike Details

What to Expect

The falls drop a gentle 15 feet.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and elevation changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Paradise Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Paradise Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather.

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 Helena National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and along the trail, especially after rain. Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may be hazardous during heavy rain or snow.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Tenmile Creek, 18.6 miles away, not on Paradise Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

6 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 1 4 7

Based on 108 years of record

1.70 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual 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.

Tenmile Creek near Rimini MT

USGS 06062500

18.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 33 sq mi

Altitude: 4,850 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Tenmile Creek near Rimini MT (30 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

6 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

6 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

6 cfs

9/10

Thu

Strong

5 cfs

10/10

Fri

Strong

6 cfs

10/10

Sat

Strong

7 cfs

8/10

Sun

Strong

6 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

6 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).

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 Marysville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Paradise Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded

Paradise Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°F to 36°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 6 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

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 147 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 15 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,401 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 132 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 83 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Paradise Falls near Marysville, Montana, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Paradise Falls near Marysville, Montana, showing about 147 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,401 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 147 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The falls are on Left Hand Fork Deadman Creek, about 0.3 mile upstream of Deadman Creek, in the Helena National Forest north-northwest of Helena. No official trail is documented, so check a Forest Service map or the Helena Ranger District about access before going.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

5,377 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.751667° N, -112.463889° W

Land Management

Helena National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially if visiting after rain or during spring when trails may be muddy. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby. Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike.

This trail sits at 5,377 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV 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.

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.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT

7.7 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview The Granite Butte Lookout is located at 7,587 feet above sea level atop the Continental Divide of North America. The 15' by 15' lookout cabin sits atop a 20' tall wooden tower that was first built in 1932. The structure was rebuilt in 1962 and has been recently renovated. This tower was listed on the national register of historic lookouts in 2008 and offers guests a glimpse into the life of a Forest Service Lookout. Located near Lincoln, MT the lookout offers direct access to the Contine

Book on Recreation.gov