A spectacular waterfall is certainly an amazing reward for a challenging hike. And while you’ll find plenty of nice, easy waterfall trails in Montana, like Ousel Falls Trail, those hikes also tend to be pretty popular, meaning they stay pretty crowded. If a hidden gem is more up your alley, give Sweathouse Falls a try.
Sweathouse Falls is located in the Bitterroot National Forest near the town of Victor.
Taryn Dicomitis / alltrails.com To reach it, you’ll drive on US-93 about 5 miles west from Victor until you find Bear Creek Road. Turn left on Bear Creek, and follow signs for Sweathouse Creek Road, which will take you to the trailhead.
The trail is about 5 miles in length and is ranked as moderate, meaning you don’t have to be an expert hiker to enjoy it.
The Mountains Are Calling / alltrails.com If you’re able to walk for 5 miles, you can probably handle this hike.
To begin, you’ll follow the dirt road on the north side of the creek to a split.
Krissy Kuettel / alltrails.com Keep right and continue to Sweathouse Quarry where a wide footpath enters the trees, and you’ll soon see a sign for the Bitterroot National Forest.
You’ll pass through cottonwood, ponderosa pine, grand fir, and western larch, passing a series of small seasonal waterfalls along the way.
JL Baranda / alltrails.com Really, the entire trail is quite pleasant.
Sweathouse Falls ranges from a slow trickle to a large cascade, depending on when you go.
Brenna Denhardt / alltrails.com But the waterfall is always magnificent.
This is an underrated and quite beautiful hiking trail in the Bitterroot.
Chadwick Wiltgen / alltrails.com This year’s hiking season may be slowing down, but you can add it to your bucket list for next spring or summer.
If you love waterfall hikes (and Montana), we’ve created the ultimate bucket list for you.
Taryn Dicomitis / alltrails.com
To reach it, you’ll drive on US-93 about 5 miles west from Victor until you find Bear Creek Road. Turn left on Bear Creek, and follow signs for Sweathouse Creek Road, which will take you to the trailhead.
The Mountains Are Calling / alltrails.com
If you’re able to walk for 5 miles, you can probably handle this hike.
Krissy Kuettel / alltrails.com
Keep right and continue to Sweathouse Quarry where a wide footpath enters the trees, and you’ll soon see a sign for the Bitterroot National Forest.
JL Baranda / alltrails.com
Really, the entire trail is quite pleasant.
Brenna Denhardt / alltrails.com
But the waterfall is always magnificent.
Chadwick Wiltgen / alltrails.com
This year’s hiking season may be slowing down, but you can add it to your bucket list for next spring or summer.
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