Due to the state’s monstrous size and the fact that there are over 120 named Montana waterfalls, seeing them all would take more time than most folks can fit into a single road trip. We previously included several waterfalls in Montana in our Ultimate Southern Montana Road Trip, and now we’ll highlight the central part of the state. This drive, which you can easily complete in a day, could best be described as the Great Falls waterfall road trip in Montana, which covers falls that the Lewis and Clark Expedition may have seen. You’ll no longer have to spend time searching for “waterfalls near me” because we’ve got you covered! 

Fill your tank, create a playlist, and tell your friends or family it’s time to chase some falls in Montana. 

The total driving time for this route is 4 hours and 50 minutes.
Google Maps
Follow along with our our route on Google Maps.
1. Cataract Falls and Double Falls, Lewis and Clark County
Cataract Falls, Montana 59410, USA
Missy S/Flickr
Start your trip with a trek through the beautiful Lewis and Clark National Forest. The hike to see Cataract Falls is only a half-a-mile round trip, and it’s an easy walk. Go up north a few miles to the Double Falls Campground and take the trailhead at the northeast corner to hike to the nearby Double Falls.
2. Black Eagle Dam and Falls, Cascade County
Black Eagle Dam, Montana, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Every history buff will enjoy the Great Falls of the Missouri River, which were once visited by Lewis and Clark. Black Eagle Falls is the first in a series of four waterfalls (a fifth, Colter Falls, flooded after the dams were built) that constitute the Great Falls. The Black Eagle Dam was the first dam on the site, built and opened in 1890.

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3. Rainbow Falls, Cascade County
Rainbow Falls, Montana 59404, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Rainbow Falls is the second largest of the cataracts that comprise the Great Falls of the Missouri River. The 44-foot tall falls sit below the Rainbow Dam.
4. Crooked Falls, Cascade County
Jo/Google
Crooked Falls is the only waterfall in the Great Falls area that remains virtually unchanged since the Lewis and Clark Expedition. You can learn more about these waterfalls in Montana and others in the Great Falls area on the National Park Service website.
5. Big Falls, Cascade County
Big Falls, Montana 59404, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Finish your Great Falls visit with a trip to the final dam and waterfall. Big Falls is just one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls that you'll find in Montana.
6. Memorial Falls, Cascade County
Memorial Falls, Montana 59465, USA
Scott Wagner/Flickr
End your journey at Memorial Falls, located 1.6 miles southeast of Neihart on Highway 89. You’ll have to walk 1.2 miles round trip to see the two beautiful waterfalls. This is just one of many hiking trails with waterfalls in Montana that should be on your bucket list.

So, what do you think of our road trip to some of the best Montana waterfalls? Does this help to answer, “What waterfalls in Montana are near me?” Are there any stops you’d add to this waterfall road trip in Montana? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!

If you’re looking for more, add these five hiking trails with falls in Montana to your bucket list this year!

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More to Explore

Waterfalls near me

Courtnie Erickson | April 21, 2022

What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Montana?

There is something special about a hike with a waterfall finish. Here in Big Sky Country, there are a handful of pretty spectacular hiking trails with waterfalls that you’ll want to add to your Montana bucket list. Plus, many of the best waterfall hikes in Montana aren’t hard or strenuous – they are perfect for a full family adventure. For example, Palisade Falls near Bozeman is only one mile and the trail is paved for the majority of your journey. The waterfall at the end is quite beautiful and well worth each step.

Ousel Falls Park Trail in Big Sky is definitely one of the best scenic hikes in Montana. The 1.6-mile trail is beautiful, shady, and easy. Plus, the unique waterfall finish will impress every member of your family. Bring a picnic lunch and sit at the tables near the waterfall for a delightful afternoon adventure.

What are some of the best hiking trails in Montana?

It is almost impossible to narrow down the best hiking trails in Montana and there are dozens that we could suggest. However, we sat down and created a list of five of the best hikes in Montana. If you only had time to complete five hikes in the entire state, these would be the trails we recommend. From Billings to Bozeman to Glacier National Park, these hiking trails around the state are certainly going to leave you impressed.

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