Short Hike to Ousel Falls
Details
Distance
1.6 miles
Elevation Gain
250 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Christie Kay
Ousel Falls is a short, super easy, all season hike. Definitely a spot you wanna check out, if you ever find yourself in Big Sky!
The trailhead is easy to find, and has a vault toilet and a decently sized parking lot. The trail leaves from right next to the toilets, and is very easy to follow. Follow a couple easy switchbacks down the hillside, cross the memorial bridge and stop to take in the beautiful scenery before following the trail up the opposite bank. The trail meanders near the river, and in the winter the rock face will be covered by a larger than life, perfectly blue ice fall. In the dead of winter, you can walk across the river to the rock face, but be careful!
Continue along the trail, at this point you're just about there! There is an upper and lower view point, providing multiple vantage points for photos. In the winter, the lower view point can be tricky to get to, as snow and ice make the steps more of a slide! Well worth the effort though.
Know for
Nearby
🌎
Local adventures
Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around .
🏕
Nearby lodging
Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near .
Reviews
Leave a ReviewOusel Falls
Great easy hike in and out, definitely a hike to check out in winter when you can come much closer to the falls then you would be able to if it were warm. There are good off trails to take. :)
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.