Ousel Falls (pronounced OO-zuhl) is a 100-foot waterfall located just outside Big Sky in the Gallatin Canyon. The well-maintained trail drops down through dense forest, crosses a bridge over the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River, and ends at a viewing area near the base of the falls.
The drive from Bozeman through the Gallatin Canyon on US-191 is worth the trip in itself. If you're looking for a quick, family-friendly hike with a big payoff, this is it.
From Bozeman, head south on US-191 through the Gallatin Canyon for about 33.9 miles. Turn right onto Lone Mountain Trail and drive 2.9 miles. Turn left onto Ousel Falls Road and follow it for 2.3 miles to the trailhead parking lot.
Pro Tip: On your way back, stop at The Riverhouse BBQ just south of Big Sky on US-191 for some Texas-style barbecue and a cold beer on the patio overlooking the Gallatin River.
The trail is wide and well-maintained with a bridge crossing along the way. The tricky part is that it's downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back, so save some energy for the return trip.
This is a quick hike. You can reach the falls in about 30 minutes, spend some time taking in the views, and be back at the car in under an hour.
You'll lose about 400 feet on the way down to the falls and gain it back on the return.
The 100-foot waterfall is the star of the show. Flow varies by season. Early summer brings intense flows from snowmelt, while late summer is more subdued. After a fresh snow in winter, the frozen falls and surrounding forest are a winter wonderland.
There's a river and waterfall at the end of the hike, but given the short distance you won't need to purify water. Bring a bottle, but don't stress if you forget it.
This is a short hike and food is not necessary. There's a viewing area at the falls if you want to bring a snack.
The trail is wide, well-groomed, and easy to follow. A bridge crosses the river along the way, offering some nice viewpoints. Expect the trail to be icy in winter.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. This is BSCO-managed land, not national forest, and they enforce the leash rule.
The entire drive from Bozeman is paved and in good condition. Ousel Falls Road is paved all the way to the trailhead.
Beartooth Publishing's Big Sky Area Map covers this hike.
There's a good-sized parking lot at the trailhead. You shouldn't have trouble finding a spot.
There's a bathroom at the trailhead.
This is a popular trail, but it doesn't get as crowded as some of the more famous hikes in the area.
The trail is heavily shaded, so it stays cool even on warm days. Dress in layers if you're hiking in spring or fall.
Footwear: Tennis Shoes OK
You may encounter mosquitoes in early summer. Later in the season, bugs are less of an issue.
The trail is almost entirely shaded as it winds through dense forest.
You'll likely have service at the trailhead, but it gets spotty as you drop down toward the falls.
This is a day-use area managed by BSCO. No camping.
The Ousel Falls Trail connects to other BSCO trails in the area, including the Yellow Mule Trail system.