Specimen Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Specimen Falls
Specimen Falls tumbles through a quiet canyon in Gallatin National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offering a scenic reward for hikers exploring this section of Montana. Framed by mixed conifer stands and open meadows, the falls create photogenic cascades and a shallow plunge pool that make it a popular short-day destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Access to the falls is along the USFS route LOW SPECIMEN (Trail #84).
The Setting
Specimen Falls sits at 8,123 feet within Gallatin National Forest, in the high alpine of Montana.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Osprey Falls (150 ft) lies 13.2 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Wraith Falls (79 ft, 10.9 mi) and Undine Falls (60 ft, 11.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Low Specimen (#84), a 6.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
LOW SPECIMEN #84
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
10.47 miTrail Description
USFS Trail LOW SPECIMEN (Trail #84) is recorded as Class 3 with a native-material surface. Note that USFS GIS data lists the full Trail #84 at 10.47 miles, but most visitors follow the shorter route described here to reach the waterfall.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views of Specimen Falls. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a serene atmosphere. Wildlife sightings, such as elk or deer, are possible along the trail.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Specimen Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Specimen Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Specimen Falls is during late spring through early fall, when the trail is typically free of snow and the waterfall is flowing at its fullest.
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
Carry bear spray and know how to use it, as the area is home to grizzly and black bears. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging vegetation or encountering hazardous terrain. Check weather conditions before your hike, as sudden storms can occur.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Gardner River, 11.2 miles away, not on Specimen Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
106 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 76 years of record
1.81 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Gardner River near Mammoth, YNP (18 km away).
Today
Low
106 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
106 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
106 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
102 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
113 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
117 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
116 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late 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 Jardine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Specimen Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast
Specimen Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 27°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 2 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 1 of the next 7
- Flow
- 104 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 183 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 8,165 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 51 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 77 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,165 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 183 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
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
Specimen Falls is accessible via the Specimen Creek Trail, which is located off Highway 191 in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park. The trailhead is well-marked and can be reached by car.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Specimen Creek Trailhead. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
8,123 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.057393° N, -110.480459° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail includes some elevation gain. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as temperatures can vary significantly in the area.
This trail sits at 8,123 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome 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.
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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.
Where to Stay
Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Yellowstone Gateway Inn
Yellowstone Village Inn and Suites
Corral Villas Yellowstone
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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.
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Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, and the Gallatin River.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and birds. Visitors should carry bear spray and follow park guidelines for wildlife safety.
Cities near Specimen Falls
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