There are at least 120 waterfalls in Montana and that doesn't include the secret ones hidden in the mountains without names. For those who love incredible local nature, it's clear that this state is the place to be! But, many are located in forests which means the best way to see them is a hike. There are quite a few to explore here, but one of our favorite waterfall trails in Montana can be found in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Gallatin Gateway. I certainly love new adventures and this is a great one!
Located within the Custer Gallatin National Forest...
... Ousel Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state.
But, as they say, the journey to visit the falls might just be better than the destination!
This beautiful walking path is just the beginning,
The 1.5-mile trail is rated as easy and includes incredible views as it follows the South and West Forks of the Gallatin River.
There are three bridges to cross along the way, making the hike feel special and unique.
The forest setting means lots of lovely views through the trees.
These are some of the most scenic Montana views you'll ever enjoy.
The trail itself is well-maintained and made of a hard, packed dirt.
It's not uncommon to see walkers, hikers, bird watchers, or cyclists enjoying the route.
Best of all, this beauty is perfect any time of year.
In fact, it might even be more magnificent during the winter in Montana when it's covered in a blanket of snow.
Just be mindful of slippery conditions along the way.
This is true any time of year.
After about one mile on the trail, hikers will come to a fork with four different options for reaching the waterfall.
One leads to the top, one to the base, another to the Ousel Falls Overlook, and another to the South Fork Overlook.
All of these options lead to different views of the waterfall...
... making this a trail you'll want to do over and over again!
Ousel Falls Road Trail can be accessed throughout the year. While many trails have a season that's best for visiting, this one is undoubtedly fabulous any time you visit. You can learn more about the Custer Gallatin National Forest by checking out the official Forest Service website. You can also learn more about navigating the trail by visiting the Ousel Falls Road Trail AllTrails page.
Have you ever embarked upon this hike to Ousel Falls? If so, what was your favorite part? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
In addition to this waterfall trail in Montana, there are certainly a few other great ways to enjoy the Custer Gallatin National Forest. If you'd like to explore it for a few days, consider an overnight stay in a nearby vacation rental.
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