Ousel Falls is the hike you do when you are in Big Sky and have an hour before or after dinner. The trail drops through dense pine forest with the sound of the river audible most of the way, crosses a good-looking bridge over the South Fork of the Gallatin, and ends at a 100-foot waterfall. It delivers.
The canyon setting around the falls is worth spending time in even after you have seen the waterfall itself. There are benches, the sound of the water carries through the trees, and the light is usually good for photography. Spring flow is the most dramatic, with snowmelt pushing the volume up and mist visible from the bridge. Come back in late October after a snow and the frozen falls are a different, quieter version of the same place.
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 entire drive from Bozeman is paved and in good condition. Ousel Falls Road is paved all the way to the trailhead.
You'll likely have service at the trailhead, but it gets spotty as you drop down toward the falls.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. This is BSCO-managed land, not national forest, and they enforce the leash rule.
46.7 Miles from Bozeman, MT. 1 Hour 3 Minutes
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.
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.
16 oz consumed per person
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Beartooth Publishing's Big Sky Area Map covers this hike.
Ousel Falls is accessible year-round. Spring brings the strongest flow from snowmelt. Winter visits after a fresh snow produce ice formations on the falls. All-season access with a paved road all the way to the trailhead.
May through August: high water from snowmelt in May and June, steady summer flow through August, good photography light in the forest.
September and October: lighter crowds, good fall color in the canyon, the falls are still running well.
No seasonal closure. Winter trail can be icy — microspikes recommended from December through March.
Yes, but dogs must be on leash. This is BSCO-managed land and the leash rule is enforced. You will see rangers or BSCO staff on busy days.
Yes. The trail is accessible year-round and the partially frozen falls in winter are one of the better reasons to visit outside of summer. The trail can be icy — bring microspikes from December through March.
Ousel (pronounced OO-zuhl) is the common name for the American Dipper, a small bird that walks into fast-moving streams to feed. Dippers are common along the South Fork of the Gallatin and you may see one near the bridge or falls.
The trailhead is about 5 miles from the center of Big Sky via Lone Mountain Trail and Ousel Falls Road. The drive is easy and fully paved.
No. The Ousel Falls area is day-use only, managed by BSCO. No camping is allowed. The nearest camping is in the Gallatin Canyon on Highway 191.
Plug 1.6 miles and 400 feet of elevation gain into our free hiking time calculator for a personalized estimate.