Are there fees or permits required for Snowshoe Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Snowshoe Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Snowshoe Falls.

Live Conditions · 2,510 ft³/s · About average

Snowshoe Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Snowshoe Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Snowshoe Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Snowshoe Falls, see below

Photo Credits (1)

katie072 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Snowshoe Falls

Snowshoe Falls is a peaceful, picture-perfect waterfall tucked into Montana’s forested backcountry, a favorite for hikers looking for a relatively short outing with rewarding scenery. The falls are reached via a roughly 3.0-mile out-and-back route that climbs about 500 feet, making for a steady, moderate hike that suits most day-hikers who are comfortable on uneven terrain. The trail threads through shaded woods and opens to a quiet viewing area where the falls can be enjoyed and photographed. Wildlife and birdlife are commonly seen along the approach; bring water and sturdy footwear, and use caution on wet rock near the falls. This is an inviting hike for a half-day trip when you want a refreshing natural destination without a long commitment.

The Setting

Snowshoe Falls sits at 4,442 feet along the Clark Fork, in the mountains of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

3.0 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 3.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back, approximately 3.0 miles round trip with ~500 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The route follows a forested singletrack with some rocky and uneven sections and a few short, steeper pitches—sturdy shoes and careful footing recommended. USFS trail surface/grade/class details are not listed; expect natural dirt and root-covered tread and potentially slick rock near the waterfall. Pack water and be prepared for changing trail conditions.

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 Snowshoe Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Snowshoe Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Snowshoe Falls is during late spring or early summer when water flow is typically at its peak due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry a map or GPS device. Watch for slippery rocks near the falls, and avoid getting too close to the edge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 2 days ago Moderate

Based on a USGS gauge 24.9 miles away

2,510 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.5k 1.8k 2.8k 3.5k

Based on 95 years of record

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.

Clark Fork below Missoula MT

USGS 12353000

24.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 9,017 sq mi

Altitude: 3,084 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Clark Fork below Missoula MT (40 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

2460 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

2657 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

2581 cfs

8/10

Sun

Low

2482 cfs

5/10

Mon

Low

2482 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

2482 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

2738 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

2888 cfs

5/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, 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 Cyr 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 214 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,452 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 141 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 43 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Snowshoe Falls near Cyr, Montana, showing about 214 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 4,452 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 214 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Snowshoe Falls is located within the Lolo National Forest in Montana. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead near the falls, followed by a hike. Exact directions may vary depending on the starting point, so consulting a map or GPS is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

4,442 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.675345° N, -114.571353° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for your return. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and check weather conditions before heading out.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.0 miles and 500 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

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

WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT

9.1 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview West Fork Butte Lookout is an ideal place for guests to experience the mountains south of Missoula from a unique vantage point. The facility provides near-360-degree views of the surrounding area. It is equipped with basic supplies and provides guests a base camp location from which to explore the area. Access by vehicle is available for a relatively short time during the summer months and is variable during the spring and fall. From December 1 - May 1 Forest Road 37 is closed, requiring

Book on Recreation.gov