Are there fees or permits required for S'il Vous Plait Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit S'il Vous Plait Falls.

Is swimming allowed at S'il Vous Plait Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at S'il Vous Plait Falls.

Live Conditions · 34 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

S'il Vous Plait Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at S'il Vous Plait Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at S'il Vous Plait Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Gallatin National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About S'il Vous Plait Falls

S'il Vous Plait Falls is a tucked-away cascade in Montana's Gallatin National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls are reached from the USFS Hyalite Creek Trail (Trail #427), and USFS mapping places the site along that route (GIS miles: 0.1). Surrounded by dense native forest, the setting is peaceful and ideal for hikers seeking a quiet, scenic stop away from busier trailheads. The approach is short but rewarding: the route listed to the falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. If you want to make it an overnight trip, Chisholm Campground is approximately 9.0 km away, offering a nearby option for camping. Expect a natural, forested experience managed under Gallatin National Forest stewardship and plan for minimal facilities at the waterfall itself.

The Setting

S'il Vous Plait Falls sits at 8,648 feet within Gallatin National Forest, in the high alpine of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Hyalite Creek (#427), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

HYALITE CREEK #427

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.10 mi

Trail Description

USFS data identifies the approach as Hyalite Creek Trail (Trail #427), listed as a Class 3 trail with a native material surface. The published route is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The native-material surface means the tread is unpaved (dirt, roots, and rock), and the Class 3 designation indicates there are steeper or more uneven sections where hikers should be comfortable on rough ground and basic route-finding. USFS mapping reference (GIS miles: 0.1) places the falls along this trail; bring appropriate footwear and navigation as trail signage and improvements are minimal.

What to Expect

Expect a peaceful and remote waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be less crowded due to its obscurity, offering a tranquil experience.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at S'il Vous Plait Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at S'il Vous Plait Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are likely the best times to visit, as snowmelt may enhance the waterfall's flow.

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 Gallatin National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail may be unmarked and rugged. Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential wildlife encounters. Always inform someone of your plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

34 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

46 57 130 169

Based on 75 years of record

2.38 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

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

Hyalite C at Hyalite R S nr Bozeman MT

USGS 06050000

13.0 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 49 sq mi

Altitude: 5,540 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to S'il Vous Plait Falls are not well-documented. Visitors may need to consult local guides or hiking forums for detailed access information.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or no designated parking near the trailhead.

Elevation

8648 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.393821° N, -110.953276° W

Land Management

Gallatin National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check local conditions and consult with experienced hikers or park rangers before visiting. Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the trail may not be well-marked.

This trail sits at 8,648 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

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.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

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.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Game Day Hub! half Mi to MSU and Bobcat Stadium

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

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Nearby Campground

CHISHOLM CAMPGROUND

5.6 miles away · 10 sites

Reservable

Overview Chisholm Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, 18 miles south of Bozeman, Montana. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and climbing.Recreation Hyalite Reservoir offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Anglers fish for Yellowstone cutthroat, Arctic grayling and brook trout. Hyalite

Book on Recreation.gov