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 · 468 ft³/s · About average

Taylor Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Taylor Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Taylor Falls.

Montana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Gallatin National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

High Trails CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain. 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

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

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

Water temperature is currently 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

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

468 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

233 460 1.2k 1.6k

Based on 87 years of record

1.23 ft

Water depth at gauge

46°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 46 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

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 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 931 sq mi

Altitude: 6,448 ft

Weather Forecast

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

7674 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.

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

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