Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
350 ft
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 Forest Service’s GIS lists Trail #84 at 10.47 miles overall, but the commonly used approach to the falls is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles round-trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, producing a moderate, family-friendly outing for most hikers.
The Setting
Specimen Falls sits at 8,123 feet within Gallatin National Forest, fed by the Gardner River, 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 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain. 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. The frequently hiked segment to Specimen Falls is an out-and-back of approximately 2.4 miles round-trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty; expect an uneven, natural tread and short steeper sections rather than a paved or engineered 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
325 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 76 years of record
2.39 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.
Weather Forecast
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
8123 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.
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
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.
Nearby Campground
Bear Creek Campground - MT
6.9 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Bear Creek Campground is a First Come - First Served facility located at the base of the western slope of the Madison Range in southwest Montana. It's part of an administrative site that also includes the Bear Creek and Bear Creek Bunkhouse rental cabins and a trailhead for entry to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. The small campground features 12 campsites, 6 on each side of the creek. The six sites north of the creek include facilities for horses/stock, while those south of the creek a
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Jardine, Montana
Bear Creek Springs
Bear Creek Springs discharges at 72°F -- only 31 degrees above ambient -- within Gallatin National Forest at 5,423 feet elevati...
Calcite Springs
Calcite Springs emerges at 201 degrees Fahrenheit along the walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where superheated wat...
Hot River
Hot River forms where thermal springs mix with cold stream water at 5,685 feet elevation near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowston...
Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring
LaDuke Hot Spring, also called Corwin Hot Spring, discharges at 154°F on the Gallatin National Forest in Gallatin County, Monta...
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs discharges at 163 degrees Fahrenheit just 6 meters from Upper Terrace Drive at 6,589 feet elevation, deposi...
Washburn Hot Springs
Washburn Hot Springs emerges at 196°F on Mount Washburn's flanks in Yellowstone National Park, creating one of the park's most ...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Jardine, Montana on SoakingSprings.
Explore Montana springsAdditional Information
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
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Specimen Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.