LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Sutton Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Sutton Creek Falls
Sutton Creek Falls is a waterfall on Sutton Creek in the Kootenai National Forest, east of Lake Koocanusa and Montana Highway 37, about 10 miles southwest of Rexford. No published trail guide or official route to the falls could be found, so check with the Kootenai National Forest before going.
The Setting
Sutton Creek Falls sits at 3,612 feet within Kootenai National Forest, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
USFS Trail
BEARTRAP PONDS #276
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.09 miWhat to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike with opportunities to enjoy the sounds of nature and the beauty of the falls. The area is relatively secluded, so it is unlikely to be crowded.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sutton Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sutton Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Kootenai National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery near the falls, especially after rain. Visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Tobacco River, 12.2 miles away, not on Sutton Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
85 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 10 years of record
2.44 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 Tobacco River at Eureka, MT (20 km away).
Today
Moderate
91 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
88 cfs
8/10Thu
Low
79 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
85 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
90 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
95 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
100 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in May.
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 Rexford hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Sutton Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Sutton Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 45°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 85 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.
1-meter lidar shows Sutton Creek Falls dropping about 522 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 3,573 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 318 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 286 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,573 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 522 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are mapped in Lincoln County, Montana, a short distance east of Highway 37 on the east side of Lake Koocanusa, where Sutton Creek flows into the reservoir. OpenStreetMap shows National Forest Development Road 619, an unpaved forest road, passing near the mapped location; no trailhead is documented.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
3,612 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.770239° N, -115.266283° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Bug spray is recommended during warmer months. Cell service may be limited, so download maps or directions in advance.
Where to Stay
Eureka Vacation Rental Steps to Creek and Fishing!
Stunning Montana Retreat Hot Tub, On-Site Hiking!
Ohana Ranch
Maggies Cabin - Enjoy a Slice of Paradise in Rexford Montana
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
Koocanusa Area
3.7 miles away · 0 sites
The Koocanusa Area is primarily centered along a narrow 90 mile long Koocanusa Reservoir, formed by Libby Dam. Approximately 60 miles are within the United States. Libby Dam is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers which provides daily dam tours. Koocanusa Reservoir is the major recreation attraction in this geographic area, providing ideal settings for large watercraft and sailing. The reservoir contains a large and stable population of Kookanee salmon, Kamloops (rainbow) trout, bull tr
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other hiking trails and natural attractions in the surrounding area may be worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and possibly bears. Visitors should practice bear safety and carry bear spray.
Cities near Sutton Creek Falls
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