Ousel Falls

Hiking distance: 1 mile round trip
Hiking time: 40 minutes
Elevation gain: 80 feet
Maps: U.S.G.S. Ousel Falls

Summary of hike: Ousel Falls is a stunning, powerful waterfall. The wide, awesome falls crashes down over the canyon walls to the narrow canyon floor. The mist created by the falls feeds the moss covering the rocks. The trail to the falls is abundant with wildflowers and has a sweeping 360?degree view of the surrounding mountains. Although there is a wellestablished trail to the falls, there are no trailhead signs or trail markers.

Driving directions: From Four Corners 9 miles west of Bozeman, take Highway 191 south towards the Gallatin Canyon. Drive 33.8 miles to the Big Sky turnoff on the right. Turn right and continue 2.4 miles to the unmarked Ousel Falls Road on the left. It is located directly across from Big Sky Road at the golf course. Take this unpaved road 2.1 miles to the trailhead parking area at the road's end.

Hiking directions: From the parking area, the unmarked but easily seen trail heads west. Follow the level trail 0.2 miles to a footpath leading off to the left. Take this left fork about 200 yards to another fork. Again take the left path. The forested trail follows along the canyon's edge. The cascading South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River can be heard below. Watch for yet another trail to the left. This trail leads down into the canyon to Ousel Falls, which you can clearly hear. There are several trails leading down to the falls. The right fork is a gradual switchback descent. The left fork is a steeper, direct route. Return along the same trail.