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A great all-season hike for those in the Big Sky area ending at a beautiful waterfall.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.5

KM

Out and Back

6,566' 2,001 m

High

6,461' 1,969 m

Low

260' 79 m

Up

260' 79 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Overview

A gorgeous waterfall hike nestled among the highly developed Big Sky area.

Description

From the Ousel Falls trailhead descend an excellently designed and well-graded, wide dirt and gravel path. Along the way, multiple stopping points to view the river and ultimately Ousel Falls present themselves. At the end, take in the falls and enjoy the quiet surroundings. In winter, the falls become a series of towers of ice, a frozen grandeur. In summer, they are a lulling murmur of sound and spray.

Shared By:

Sam H

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 13 votes

#1

in Big Sky

#858

Overall
  4.7 from 13 votes
5 Star
69%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Big Sky

#21

in Montana

#858

Overall
10 Views Last Month
6,784 Since Apr 23, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

20%
10%
70%
0%
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Photos

Ousel Falls
Feb 20, 2020 near Big Sky, MT
Ice on cliff faces.
Nov 29, 2018 near Big Sky, MT
Snowy waterfall
Nov 29, 2018 near Big Sky, MT
Ousel Falls in winter
Apr 23, 2015 near Big Sky, MT
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Weather

Tonight
21°F -6°C
Sun
55°F · 28°F 13°C · -2°C
Mon
57°F · 33°F 14°C · 1°C
Tue
52°F · 29°F 11°C · -2°C
Wed
51°F · 27°F 11°C · -3°C
Thu
60°F · 37°F 16°C · 3°C

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 8, 2024
Anonymous
Paved and well travelled route all the way to the falls. Top and bottom view point at the falls. 1.7mi
Dec 30, 2023
Jim Curtis
Jun 28, 2022
Matt Peters
Jun 2, 2021
Lisa W
Apr 14, 2021
Brad Wilson
Icy still. Bring your crampons, yaktraxs, poles, etc. 2mi
Sep 20, 2020
Lauryn Mattson
9h 50m
Jul 19, 2020
Caleb Dvorak
Popular Sunday hike 1.6mi
Mar 27, 2020
Katy Pompili
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