Ousel Falls

The Ousel Falls Trail is a quick hit favorite that delivers far more than its 1.6-mile round-trip might suggest. This out and back hike gently climbs around 240–400 feet through lodgepole pine forest and along the tumbling South Fork of the Gallatin River. With wide, well groomed gravel tread, a series of sturdy wooden bridges, and strategically placed benches, it’s accessible for most hikers including families and newer trail users. At trail’s end, Ousel Falls drops nearly 100 feet into a rocky canyon, creating a spray filled amphitheater that cools you in summer and ices over dramatically in winter. It’s a rewarding year-round destination, with winter traction gear recommended when the trail ices up. Watch for American Dippers and keep your eyes open for moose and deer. The trail links up with longer backcountry routes if you want to go deeper, but for a fast escape into classic Gallatin Range scenery, Ousel Falls hits all the right notes.