Are there fees or permits required for Rock Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Rock Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Rock Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Rock Creek Falls.

Nearby gauge (Clark Fork) · 210 ft³/s · About average

Rock Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Rock Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Rock Creek Falls. Dogs are allowed on national forest trails; they must be leashed in developed recreation sites such as campgrounds and picnic areas.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

Also For 4 other waterfalls also named Rock Creek Falls, see below

Deerlodge National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

TerryDOtt CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Jeff Krause Photography CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

High Trails CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

januszsl CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

About Rock Creek Falls

Rock Creek Falls is mapped on Rock Creek in the Flint Creek Range west of Deer Lodge, Montana, about a mile upstream (southwest) of Rock Creek Lake in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. We found no published trail or route description for the falls.

The Setting

Rock Creek Falls sits at 6,053 feet within Deerlodge National Forest, in the high mountains of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

USFS Trail

ROCK CREEK #8053

Trail Class

Class 0

Surface

N/A

Avg Grade

N/A

USFS Segment

5.37 mi

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with limited mobility due to uneven terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rock Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on national forest trails; they must be leashed in developed recreation sites such as campgrounds and picnic areas.

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Rock Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Rock Creek Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak during this time.

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 Deerlodge National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 41°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls, especially after rain. Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail can become muddy or icy.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Clark Fork, 10.5 miles away, not on Rock Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

210 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

172 199 297 359

Based on 48 years of record

2.82 ft

Water depth at gauge

41°F

Very cold

Expect 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 41 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect crystal clear visibility. Mineral content is moderate.

Water Quality

3.4 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

466 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

Clark Fork at Deer Lodge MT

USGS 12324200

10.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,001 sq mi

Altitude: 4,502 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Clark Fork at Deer Lodge MT (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

210 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

210 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

212 cfs

4/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

222 cfs

2/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

217 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

224 cfs

2/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

227 cfs

2/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

224 cfs

2/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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

Is Rock Creek Falls Frozen?

Updated about 5 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Rock Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 37°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 210 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

The falls are mapped about a mile southwest of Rock Creek Lake, west of Deer Lodge. Check a Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest map for current road and trail access.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Elevation

6,053 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.410205° N, -112.962548° W

Land Management

Deerlodge National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the spring or early summer for the best water flow. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as mosquitoes can be present. Check road and trail conditions before heading out, especially during winter or after heavy rains.

This trail sits at 6,053 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 24% 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

The Vonnie Louise Inn

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

DONEY CABIN

2.6 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview This cabin is currently undergoing some repairs and will be rented again in the near future. Recreation Facilities Natural Features Nearby Attractions

Book on Recreation.gov