Upper Falls
Montana • 109 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Upper Falls
Upper Falls is a striking 109-foot cascade tucked into the USFS-managed Kootenai National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service and reached via the West Fork Cascadia Trail (Trail #315), the falls offer a dramatic, photogenic drop set amid dense forest — an inviting destination for hikers looking for a relatively short outing with big payoff. The setting is tranquil and restorative, and the trailhead location makes it a convenient half-day adventure. The hike to the viewpoint is a moderate out-and-back of 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain, so it’s popular with day hikers and photographers alike. If you’re planning to camp nearby, the Garver Mountain Lookout rental is only about 5.7 km away, making it easy to extend your visit into an overnight stay in the forest.
The Setting
Upper Falls sits at 3,284 feet within Kootenai National Forest, fed by the Yaak River, in the mountains of Montana. At 109 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Montana.
Height: 109 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows West Fork Cascadia Trail (#315), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
WEST FORK CASCADIA TRAIL #315
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.43 miTrail Description
The approach follows the USFS West Fork Cascadia Trail (Trail #315). The USFS-mapped segment for Trail #315 is recorded at 0.43 GIS miles and is built on a native-material tread (natural surface). The overall hike to Upper Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate in difficulty. The trail is typically graded 8–10% and is rated Class 3 on USFS records, so expect steeper sections that demand steady footing. The route terminates at a viewpoint above the 109-foot falls; nearby camping is available at the Garver Mountain Lookout rental about 5.7 km away.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 109 feet.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall also offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a serene, snowy landscape.
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
Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms. The area around the falls can be slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Be cautious of wildlife and follow park regulations.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 28 miles away
93 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 68 years of record
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Yaak River near Troy MT (45 km away).
Today
Moderate
93 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
98 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
93 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
89 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
88 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
89 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
89 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late June, 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 Yaak 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 120 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. It lines up with the 109 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 3,274 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 153 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 141 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,274 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 120 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Upper Falls is located within Yellowstone National Park in Montana. Visitors can access the falls via the Grand Loop Road, with clear signage directing to the Upper Falls Viewpoint.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the Upper Falls Viewpoint, which is typically sufficient during non-peak hours. Arrive early during summer months to secure a spot.
Elevation
3,284 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.931345° N, -115.717131° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Be cautious near the edges of the viewing platform, as the area can be slippery.
Where to Stay
Quiet Log Cabin • Gazebo • Near River & Trails
Log Inn Bonners Ferry
North Haven Campground
Northside School Bed & Breakfast
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
GARVER MTN. LOOKOUT RENTAL
3.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Garver Mountain Lookout is perched on top of Garver Mountain at an elevation of 5,874 feet. The lookout is located in the Yaak area of the Kootenai National Forest, characterized by its minimal services and rugged beauty. This destination is ideal for visitors with an adventurous attitude, looking for a plethora of outdoor activities. Garver Mountain Lookout has been used as an observation point for detecting forest fires since 1929. The first lookout was a one-story log cabin, which is
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Lower Falls, Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Uncle Tom's Trail
Wildlife
Visitors may spot bison, elk, and various bird species in the area. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
Cities near Upper Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Upper Falls
27 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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