Ousel Falls Trail

The Ousel Falls Trail is Big Sky's easiest waterfall walk: a wide, well-built path from a trailhead off Ousel Falls Road down to the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River, where the river pours over Ousel Falls. It runs through Ousel Falls Park, managed by the Big Sky Community Organization, a local non-profit. The name is an old word for the American dipper, a songbird that feeds in fast water.

From the trailhead it is about 0.8 miles each way, 1.6 miles round trip, and most people take about 45 minutes. Sources put the climb at roughly 250 to 400 feet, mostly on the walk back up. The path follows the river, crosses three bridges and passes overlooks on the way. Near the end several short spurs lead to different views: the South Fork overlook, the top of the falls, the base with a picnic area and pool, and a rocky overlook facing the falls.

The trailhead has parking, picnic tables, benches and a restroom. You can also walk or bike from Town Center on a 5-foot-wide gravel trail that runs about 2 miles one way, roughly parallel to Ousel Falls Road, to reach the park; the BSCO says it is maintained through the winter. Beyond the falls the trail connects to the Yellow Mules trails in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, and this is the only horse-friendly access point for them. The first Yellow Mule junction is about half a mile past the trailhead and the second another 1.5 miles on, so stronger walkers can turn the falls into a longer outing.

The trail is open year-round. In winter the falls freeze and the path can be packed snow or ice, so wear boots with good grip or traction devices. Snowmelt in late spring brings the highest water; summer weekends are the busiest time. Check the signs at the trailhead for current rules on dogs.

This is a good first walk after arriving in Big Sky, or a short outing on a day when the lifts are on wind hold. Stay behind the railings at the overlooks and keep children close near the water, which is fast and cold all year.