Are there fees or permits required for Star Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Star Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Star Falls.

Star Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Star Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Star Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Bitterroot National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Trail Length

6.5 miles

About Star Falls

Star Falls is a peaceful, picture-postcard cascade tucked into the Bitterroot National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The waterfall rewards a short, moderate hike through mixed forest and native tread, making it a popular half‑day destination for hikers seeking a quiet scene without a long backcountry commitment. Access follows the USFS Buck Creek Trail (Trail #198), so expect a trail maintained within the national forest and signed on Forest Service maps. If you want to extend your visit, McCart Lookout campground lies about 9.72 km away, providing nearby camping within the same national forest unit.

The Setting

Star Falls sits at 6,102 feet within Bitterroot National Forest, in the high mountains of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Buck Creek (#198), a 6.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

BUCK CREEK #198

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

6.60 mi

Trail Description

Trail: BUCK CREEK (USFS Trail #198). Surface: NAT - native material; expect dirt tread with roots and occasional rock. Class: 2. Typical grade: 12–20% in steeper sections. Trail type: out-and-back. The native surface can be uneven and moderately steep in places, so good footwear and basic trekking awareness are recommended. The route is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Bitterroot National Forest and is suitable for day hikers; nearby McCart Lookout campground (≈9.72 km) offers a close option for overnight stays.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil environment with the sound of cascading water. The area may feature lush vegetation and opportunities for photography.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Star Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Star Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall may have a stronger flow due to snowmelt.

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 Bitterroot National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The area may have uneven terrain, slippery rocks, and limited cell service. Visitors should exercise caution and inform someone of their plans before visiting.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Big Hole River bl Mudd Cr nr Wisdom MT (25 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

253 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

253 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

252 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

251 cfs

6/10

Fri

Low

250 cfs

6/10

Sat

Low

259 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

263 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

261 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early 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 Sula hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Star Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Star Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 50°F to 34°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 253 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.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 108 feet of drop through Star Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 6,112 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 122 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 26 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Star Falls near Sula, Montana, showing about 108 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 6,112 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 108 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location of Star Falls may require local guidance or GPS navigation. It is recommended to research the area beforehand and consult local resources for directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is uncertain, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available.

Elevation

6,102 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.911863° N, -113.598061° W

Land Management

Bitterroot National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a map or GPS device as the area may lack clear signage. Wear sturdy footwear and carry water and snacks.

This trail sits at 6,102 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 24% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

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.

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

MCCART LOOKOUT

6 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview McCart Lookout is a historic tower located on McCart Peak, east of Sula. It has been restored to reflect a lookout of the 1940s, including the stove, furniture, dishes and other small touches. It offers a unique chance for visitors to camp on a mountain peak, on the border of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, in a rustic, old-time setting. The tower provides spectacular views of the surrounding western Montana wilderness. Recreation The trail to reach the tower continues south and joins t

Book on Recreation.gov