Pine Creek Falls is a 100-foot, multi-tiered chute located in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness just outside of Livingston. The reward here feels way out of proportion to the effort required, making it one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in Paradise Valley.
If you only have an hour, the falls are absolutely worth the 2.5-mile round trip. The flat, well-beaten trail winds through lodgepole forest along Pine Creek before ending at the base of the falls. But if you're a serious hiker, stopping at the falls can feel like reading the first chapter of a 5-star book and then putting it down. Most hikers see the falls as the trailhead for the real adventure up to Pine Creek Lake, while families and casual walkers see it as the grand finale.
From Bozeman, head East towards Livingston on Interstate 90. When you get to Livingston, take exit 333 for US-89 South through Paradise Valley.
Head South for about three miles. When you see a sign for Carter's Bridge Fishing Access, take the left onto MT-540. You'll be on this road for almost 8 miles until you see some signs on your left for Luccock Park. Take the left onto Luccock Park Road crossing the cattle guard, drive another three miles and you'll hit a dead-end at the Pine Creek Campground and Trailhead.
The trail to Pine Creek Falls is flat and wide with minimal elevation gain. You'll cross a couple of bridges along the way, but there's nothing technical about this hike. Great hike for all ages and abilities.
This is a quick hike. You can reach the falls in about 30 to 40 minutes, spend some time taking pictures and exploring the base, and be back at the car in under an hour and a half.
The trail gains a modest 460 feet from the trailhead to the falls. You'll barely notice it.
The 100-foot, multi-tiered waterfall is a serious payoff for such a short and easy hike. The sound alone is worth the walk, and the falls are impressive from multiple angles. It's not Pine Creek Lake, but for the effort involved, it's hard to beat.
The trail runs alongside Pine Creek for most of the hike. Given the short distance, just bring a water bottle and you'll be fine.
This is a short hike and food is not necessary. If you want to make a picnic out of it, there are spots near the falls to sit and eat.
The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow the entire way to the falls. Expect some muddy spots in early season.
Dogs can be off-leash on this trail and there is plenty of shade and water along the way. Your dog will love the creek access.
Once you're on Luccock Park Road, it gets a bit narrow and windy, but nothing rough. Pavement the entire way.
Beartooth Publishing's Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Map covers this hike.
The trailhead will appear busy due to the popularity of both the falls and the Pine Creek Lake hike, but you should have no trouble finding a spot.
The trailhead is located at the Pine Creek Campground which has a vault toilet. You'll drive past it on your way to your parking spot.
This is one of the most popular short hikes in Paradise Valley, so expect company. The trail is wide enough that passing other hikers is never an issue.
The trail is mostly shaded and easy. Tennis shoes or light hiking shoes will work fine. You might get some mist on you near the falls, so keep that in mind if it's a cooler day.
Footwear: Tennis Shoes OK
Due to the water and forest there's potential for bugs on this hike depending on the weather and time of year. Bring your bug spray in case.
The trail runs through dense lodgepole forest almost the entire way, so you'll have shade for the majority of the hike.
You'll be out of service for the entirety of this hike.
This is a short day hike with no camping at the falls. If you're looking to camp, the Forest Service operates Pine Creek Campground right at the trailhead.
Pine Creek Lake
The trail to Pine Creek Falls is the first mile of the longer Pine Creek Lake hike. If you're feeling ambitious, keep going past the falls for a strenuous 11-mile round trip to one of the most stunning alpine lakes in the Absarokas.
George Lake
Quickly after starting the hike from the trailhead, you'll see a sign for George Lake to your right. It's a dead-end five-mile trek with its own trailhead at the west end of Pine Creek Campground.
Plug 2.5 miles and 460 feet of elevation gain into our free hiking time calculator for a personalized estimate.