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.

Nearby gauge (Clark Fork) · 2,380 ft³/s · About average

Snowshoe Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Snowshoe Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Snowshoe Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 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

About Snowshoe Falls

Snowshoe Falls is on a small creek in the upper Lolo Creek drainage along US Highway 12, a few miles below Lolo Pass in western Montana. The usual approach is to park at a turnout near mile marker 5 on the Lolo Pass highway and follow the creek up to the falls. There is no published trail description, so expect an informal creekside route rather than a maintained trail.

Trail & Hike Details

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil hike through a forested area leading to a beautiful waterfall. The falls are surrounded by natural vegetation, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Snowshoe Falls?

❌ Dogs are not 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 about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Clark Fork, 24.9 miles away, not on Snowshoe Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

2,380 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.0k 2.3k 3.1k 4.1k

Based on 96 years of record

1.29 ft

Water depth at gauge

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

Barely Flowing right now

2380 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

2570 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

2514 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

2408 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

2427 cfs

5/10

Sat

Low

2570 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

2686 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

2591 cfs

4/10

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

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.

Is Snowshoe Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid

Snowshoe 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: 2360 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 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

Drive US Highway 12 toward Lolo Pass and park at the turnout near mile marker 5, then follow the creek up to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Park at the highway turnout near mile marker 5 on US 12; keep vehicles fully off the highway.

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.

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