LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Vermilion Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Vermilion Falls
Vermilion Falls sits within the US Forest Service–managed Kaniksu National Forest in northwestern Montana, offering a compact but striking cascade set among old-growth timber and river-carved rock. The falls are an easy-to-enjoy destination for day hikers and photographers seeking a peaceful natural setting; Kaniksu National Forest is one of the units that make up the Idaho Panhandle National Forests and extends into this corner of Montana, so the area carries the character of those inland Pacific Northwest forests. Access is provided via the USFS Bear Creek Trail (Trail #855), a short route that brings you to viewpoints of the falls without a lengthy backcountry commitment. If you want to camp nearby, Sylvan Lake Campground lies about 7.03 km away, making an overnight stay or a multi-stop outing convenient for visitors planning more time in the forest.
The Setting
Vermilion Falls sits at 3,356 feet within Kaniksu National Forest, fed by the Prospect Creek, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Bear Creek (#855), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
BEAR CREEK #855
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.31 miTrail Description
The standard approach follows USFS Bear Creek (Trail #855). According to USFS data the trail is Class 2 with a native-material surface and a typical grade of 12–20%; the mapped USFS/GIS segment is 0.31 miles. Hikers commonly experience a 2.4-mile out-and-back route to the falls with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate overall difficulty. Expect an unpaved tread with some short, steeper pitches—suitable for most hikers but not fully ADA-accessible.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
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 Vermilion Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Vermilion Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit when water flow is at its peak. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the falls surrounded by snow and ice.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Kaniksu National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious near the edge of the viewing platform and stay on designated trails. Watch for slippery surfaces, especially after rain or during winter. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 20.2 miles away
41 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 69 years of record
0.48 ft
Water depth at gauge
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 Prospect Creek at Thompson Falls MT (33 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
41 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
41 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
41 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
44 cfs
3/10Thu
Barely Flowing
42 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
41 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
40 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Trout Creek 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 172 feet of descent through Vermilion Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 3,350 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 242 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 52 feet in the 500 feet below. 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
- 3,350 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 172 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
Vermilion Falls is located off Vermilion River Road (Forest Road 154), approximately 10 miles south of Highway 200 near Trout Creek, Montana. The falls are accessible via a short drive on a gravel road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, which can accommodate a limited number of vehicles.
Elevation
3,356 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.879004° N, -115.355585° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking.
Where to Stay
Bear creek resort
Cozy Farm Cabin - 9 Mi to Trout Creek!
Retreat and Event Villa Lake Access
Mtn Views and Fireplace Cozy Trout Creek Tiny Home
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
Sylvan Lake Campground
4.4 miles away · 0 sites
The Sylvan Lake Campground is located southeast of Libby on road 154. The campground has 5 sites with tables and fire rings. Campground roads and parking spurs are of native soil. Amenities include a vault toilet.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, Noxon Reservoir, and Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Visitors should exercise caution and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
Cities near Vermilion Falls
Other waterfalls named Vermilion Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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