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Cascade Falls, Park County, Montana

Kurt Norris
Last Updated: February 27th, 2023

Not to be mistaken with the waterfall with the same name in Sanders County, Park County’s Cascade Falls are a minor water feature found along Cascade Creek, which runs parallel to George Creek and Barney Creek just to the east of the Yellowstone River.

While not as glamorous as some of Montana’s more popular waterfall destinations, the cascades offer a quiet hike through Park County’s countryside on the edges of Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Cascade Falls, Park County Stats

cascade falls park stats

  • Elevation: 5660 feet
  • Latitude: 46985
  • Longitude: -110.55931
  • How to Get There: Park County’s Cascade Falls, Montana, can be viewed from the road bridging over Cascade Creek. From East River Drive, visitors will turn on the unmarked road just north of George Creek Road. The creek can be followed on foot for about 656 feet to the falls.

Recreation Activities

Hiking

Located a couple of miles north of the falls, along Luccock Park Road, the Pine Creek Trailhead offers access to various hiking trails weaving their way through Park County.

The George Lake Trail passes nearest Cascade Falls and crosses over the creek feeding the landmark. While the falls are unobservable from the path, the stream can be followed for a short way to a better vantage point.

Any visit to the Cascade Falls should be packaged with a hike along the Pine Creek Trail to the larger Pine Creek Falls, located only a short distance away.

Fishing

fishing

With the Yellowstone River located nearby, visitors to the falls have plenty of opportunities to package their visit with an afternoon of fishing.

While the river is a fantastic spot to cast a line, visitors to Park County should take the opportunity to try their hand at reeling in one of the West slope Cutthroat Trout and the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout populating George Lake at the end of the George Lake Trail.

It is important to note that both the West slope and the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout serve as the official State Fish of Montana and are required to be released when caught.

Still, while you may not end the day with anything you can fry up, the spot is a fantastic place for recreational fishing and is a great way to enjoy the quiet ambiance of Park County.

Camping

camping

Situated just to the north of Cascade Falls, the Pine Creek Campground offers the best fully serviced sites in the area and provides guests with easy access to the surrounding trails and natural attractions.

The campground features 27 sites, fully-serviced with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection.

Serving as a gateway to the foothills of the Absaroka Mountains, the Pine Creek Campground is a phenomenal way to experience Montana’s natural landscape.

Horseback Riding

Another great way to explore the falls and the surrounding countryside is a guided horseback ride along the region’s many riding trails.

Located just down the street from the campground on Luccock Park Road, Flying Diamond Outfitters offers hourly rides, full-day trips, and multi-day tours to visitors.

There is no better way to explore the Cascade falls and surrounding landmarks than being led by someone that knows the landscape.

Trail Routes

George Lake Trail

Starting from the Pine Creek Trailhead, the George Lake Trail is a 10.8-mile out and back hike that requires an average of six and a half hours to complete. While the walk doesn’t bring you directly to Cascade Falls, it is the nearest trail to pass by it.

Starting the hike, visitors will walk for several miles through the countryside. Along the way, they will pass Barney Creek and Cascade Creek. At Cascade Creek, hikers can choose to continue along the path or follow the water for about 0.6 miles to the falls.

Continuing along the path will bring guests to the lake, where they can enjoy the quiet noises of nature as they swim or fish before embarking on their return trek.

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About The Author

Kurt Norris

A Canada-based freelance writer, Kurt acquired his bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Windsor. Upon graduating, Kurt left the courtside media desk behind and began venturing the globe. Throughout his journeys, Kurt enjoys partaking in slow travel and loves to explore the histories and cultures of each destination, which he shares with others through his writing.

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