Waterfall · Gallatin County, Montana

Ousel Falls

Waterfall about 3.4 miles south of Big Sky, MT.

4.9 · 92 Google reviews

Photo of Ousel Falls near Big Sky, MT

About Ousel Falls

Ousel Falls is a named waterfall in Gallatin County, Montana, located about 3.4 miles south of Big Sky. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Ousel Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 45°14′21″ N, 111°20′30″ W (45.23909, -111.34162). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include First Yellow Mule Creek (stream, 0.3 mi) and Second Yellow Mule Creek (stream, 1.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Cedar Falls, 8.5 miles to the west.

More Photos

314 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.

Weather at Ousel Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

Loading the forecast...

Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Ousel Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

Sunrise
—
Sunset
—
Daylight
—
Golden hour
—

Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

—

At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Ousel Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Visitor Ratings

Ousel Falls holds a 4.9 average from 92 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:

5★90
4★1
3★0
2★0
1★1

Read reviews on Google

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Ousel Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • First Yellow Mule Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
  • Second Yellow Mule Creek — stream, 1.7 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 45.23909, -111.34162. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Ousel Falls

Photo of Ousel Falls, a waterfall 8.5 miles from Cedar Falls
Pictured: nearby Ousel Falls (8.5 mi)

Cedar Falls

Big Sky, MT · 8.5 mi west
Photo of Pioneer Falls, a waterfall 8.1 miles from Hoodoo Cascade
Pictured: nearby Pioneer Falls (8.1 mi)

Hoodoo Cascade

Big Sky, MT · 11 mi northeast
1.0 (1)
Photo of Pioneer Falls near Big Sky, MT

Pioneer Falls

Big Sky, MT · 13 mi north
4.9 (7)
Photo of Alpine Falls near Four Corners, MT

Alpine Falls

Four Corners, MT · 22 mi northeast
5.0 (1)
Photo of Apex Falls near Four Corners, MT

Apex Falls

Four Corners, MT · 22 mi northeast
4.7 (6)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ousel Falls located?

Ousel Falls is in Gallatin County, Montana, about 3.4 miles south of Big Sky. Its coordinates are 45.23909, -111.34162 (45°14′21″ N, 111°20′30″ W).

What town is closest to Ousel Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Big Sky, MT, about 3.4 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Ousel Falls?

The closest is Cedar Falls (8.5 mi west). Others within reach include Hoodoo Cascade (11 mi), Pioneer Falls (13 mi), and Taylor Falls (14 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Ousel Falls?

Ousel Falls appears on the USGS Ousel Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.