Are there fees or permits required for Taylor Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Taylor Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Taylor Falls.

Live Conditions · 665 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Taylor Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Taylor Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Taylor Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Gallatin National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

High Trails CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Trail Length

1.7 miles

About Taylor Falls

Taylor Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Montana, offering a serene and scenic experience for visitors. It is surrounded by lush forested areas and is a great spot for nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Taylor Falls sits at 7,674 feet within Gallatin National Forest, fed by the Madison River Bl Hebgen Lake, in the high mountains of Montana.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Taylor Falls (#17), a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

TAYLOR FALLS #17

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

1.70 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Taylor Falls is not well-documented, and details about its length, terrain, and difficulty are unclear. Visitors should prepare for potentially uneven or unmarked paths.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and natural setting with a waterfall surrounded by forest. The area may be remote, so plan accordingly.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Taylor Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Taylor Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be at its peak 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 Gallatin National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail may be remote and unmarked. Visitors should carry sufficient supplies, inform someone of their plans, and be cautious of wildlife and weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

665 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

702 880 1.3k 1.5k

Based on 87 years of record

1.50 ft

Water depth at gauge

58°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 58 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

Madison River bl Hebgen Lake nr Grayling MT

USGS 06038500

12.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 931 sq mi

Altitude: 6,448 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Madison River bl Hebgen Lake nr Grayling MT (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

665 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

665 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

665 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

718 cfs

3/10

Mon

Low

785 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

705 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

665 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

659 cfs

5/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid October to late November, 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 Big Sky hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

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 182 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,674 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 135 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 81 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Taylor Falls near Big Sky, Montana, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Taylor Falls near Big Sky, Montana, showing about 182 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: 7,674 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 182 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

Specific directions to Taylor Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for accurate navigation. It may require driving on unpaved roads and a short hike to access.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should expect limited or informal parking near the trailhead.

Elevation

7,674 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.036594° N, -111.407459° W

Land Management

Gallatin National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

This trail sits at 7,674 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 31% 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

BEAVER CREEK CABIN (MT)

8.7 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Beaver Creek Cabin is a primitive, rustic cabin located within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, in an area that offers a variety of recreational activities. The cabin is situated 3.5 miles down Forest Service Road 985. It is accessible by vehicle when there is no snow, but winter access is only by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and they must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation Several trailheads near

Book on Recreation.gov