Awe-Inspiring Waterfalls to Visit in the Rocky Mountains of Western Montana

Awe-Inspiring Waterfalls to Visit in the Rocky Mountains of Western Montana

Here's a fresh take on the article:

Hear this, buddy: "Don't go chasing waterfalls" is a load of crap. folks, given that chasing after waterfalls is not just tolerated—it's straight-up encouraged.

Oh yeah, those waterfalls in Western Montana? They're the real deal. Some roar down canyon walls, surrounded by breathtaking views, while others hide in the dense foliage, like a secret Mother Nature's got tucked away.

Most articles will just list all the waterfalls in Glacier National Park, but we've separated our list into those inside and those outside the park. So whether you're traveling around Western Montana, there's a bucket-list-worthy waterfall that'll knock your socks off.

Waterfalls NOT in Glacier National Park

For waterfalls outside of Glacier National Park, we prefer those within a day trip from Missoula (because that's where we reside). We've personally been to most of these waterfalls, so our recommendations are legit as hell.

And hey, just because we've been to some waterfalls doesn't mean we've seen 'em all. Some are still on our bucket list that we plan on checking out ASAP.

Morrell Falls

• Distance: 5.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 436 feet
• Difficulty: moderately easy
• Closest town: Seeley Lake
• Bathroom at trailhead? Yes
• Phone service? No

The Morrell Falls trail is a fantastic destination that made it onto the National Recreation Trail registry. Located near Seeley Lake, which is one of our favorite summer destinations in Montana, it's relatively flat (only 436 feet of elevation gain) and an easier hike through the woods.

The falls are a 90-foot double waterfall that pours into a rocky basin, surrounded by Montana's famous rainbow rock. If you're taking a day trip to these falls, we suggest stopping at Gus the Larch tree (the world's largest larch) and grabbing a bite at the local Mexican food joint, Casa Caro.

Holland Lake & Falls

• Distance: 3.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 495 feet
• Difficulty: moderate
• Closest town: Seeley Lake
• Bathroom at trailhead? Yes
• Phone service? No

The Holland Lake and Falls trail is one hell of a hike that packs a big punch into only 3.1 miles. It starts with a flat section along Holland Lake, which boasts bright blue, crystal-clear water, then gently ascends, offering unreal views of the Mission Mountains and Swan Valley. The falls, tucked into the rocky cliff face, drop about 50 feet and were roaring during our spring hike. Between the stunning views, the beautiful lake, and the awesome falls, this trail showcases everything the mountains are all about.

P.S. - This trail also made our list of our favorite hikes near Missoula since it's one of the best hikes in the entire western Montana region.

Sweathouse Falls

• Distance: 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,502 feet
• Difficulty: moderately difficult
• Closest town: Victor
• Bathroom at trailhead? No
• Phone service? Limited

Sweathouse Falls is one of the best hidden gems in the Bitterroot Valley, and it's one of my favorite spring hikes. The trail follows the creek through a quiet canyon lined with pine trees and wildflowers. It's a steady incline to the base of the falls, which flow over a rocky ledge and cascade into a deep, clear pool. There's another sizeable waterfall about 0.25 miles past Sweathouse, so don't just turn around when you reach the first waterfall.

Pro tip: When I hiked this trail in April, there was a stunning patch of glacier lilies just past the second waterfall.

Bear Creek Falls

• Distance: 4 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 680 feet
• Difficulty: moderate
• Closest town: Victor
• Bathroom at trailhead? Yes
• Phone service? No

Bear Creek Trail was a recent discovery of ours—we've done the nearby Bear Creek Overlook (which is an awesome hike), but hadn't hiked up the valley below before. So imagine our surprise when we found this beautiful waterfall that isn't even marked on the map. It's about 2 miles from the trailhead. And just past this point, the valley opens up into an amazing view of the mountains beyond. This is a great trail for being in the wild, with zero crowds.

Natural Bridge Falls

• Distance: 0.7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 65 feet
• Difficulty: easy
• Closest town: Livingston

Natural Bridge Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in Montana (it's only 0.7 miles round-trip) and one of the most unique. In the early spring season, the high water crashes over the top of the falls. But most of the year, the falls flow directly out of the limestone rock face. It's a great spot for a quick walk, a picnic, or just an afternoon watching the falls.

Crow Creek Falls

• Distance: 5.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,135 feet
• Difficulty: moderately difficult
• Closest town: Helena
• Bathroom at trailhead? Yes
• Phone service? No

Crow Creek Falls is the best waterfall near Helena, by far. The trail is about 5.5 miles round-trip and is on the more difficult side of moderate with approximately 1,100 feet in elevation gain. It's enough of a hike that you should bring all the hiking essentials in your daypack, but not too long that it would prevent most people from being able to complete it. Crow Creek Falls cascades through a narrow canyon before dropping 40 feet into a large rocky pool below, making it a dramatic and scenic spot. It's the kind of place that makes you want to stay a while, dip your feet in, and enjoy the sound of rushing water in the forest.

1. Embarking on a lifestyle that appreciates nature's splendors, consider exploring the multitude of trails leading to breathtaking waterfalls nestled amidst Western Montana's national parks.
2. For sports enthusiasts seeking an outdoor challenge, hiking to the towering mountains' bases and traversing their trail networks could provide a thrilling experience, where moments of sheer wonder await at every waterfall.
3. Home-and-garden enthusiasts might find inspiration in the lush greenery surrounding the picturesque waterfalls, providing an ideal backdrop for capturing photography or sketching artwork.
4. Those intrigued by the grandeur of nature can admire the Morrell Falls' rainbow-adorned rocks or bear witness to the roaring Holland Lake and Falls, where the Mission Mountains’ unreal views create unforgettable memories.
5. Travelers with a taste for adventure can explore hidden gems like Sweathouse Falls and Bear Creek Falls, or witness the uncommon Natural Bridge Falls, where water pours directly out of the rock face, painting a striking scene.

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