Only nine miles from the gorgeous Big Sky and inextricably linked to the nearby Lava Lake, the Hoodoo Cascade is one of those top secret Montana waterfalls you typically have to know a local to visit.
Not anymore! Sitting right off Cascade Creek and surrounded by trailheads, campgrounds, and deep, lush forests, this cascade – a smaller waterfall typically flowing over rocks and stones – offers a glimpse into the allure of the Treasure State.
How do you get there? We recommend trekking to both the waterfall and refreshing lake via the Lava Lake Trailhead off of Gallatin Road to the northeast. Gradually climbing 1,600 feet towards the Spanish Peak Mountains, the route to the cascade is accessible for both beginners and advanced hikers, although we, unfortunately, can’t recommend it to wheelchair users.
And while this site is best explored from May to September, don’t be afraid to stretch your stay longer, especially if visiting the nearby Big Sky Resort.
Although you won’t find any attached campgrounds when traversing this Montana terrain, folks have been known to pitch a tent around Lava Lake, and the cascade is surrounded by several campgrounds, as well as cabin rentals, hotels, and resorts closer to Big Sky.
Once home to numerous indigenous tribes, this forested terrain of Big Sky Country holds a special place in our Montana hearts; it’s close to society but just secluded enough that rest and reflection come easily after a long week.
Read on for some of our favorite spots in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness to fish, swim, camp, ski, and get out of our daily routines – including our beloved Lava Lake.
Hoodoo Cascade, Gallatin County – A Complete Guide
Hoodoo Cascade, Gallatin County Stats
- Size and Scope: 250 ft
- Season: Year Round
- Hours: 24/7
- Number of Campsites: None
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
Recreational Activities
Looking to hike and bike in the beautiful Montana summer? So are we, and we’ve got a few favorite spots to share with you.
We’ll also go over the best spots to ski down a mountain, fish in solitude, or swim in one of southern Montana’s many lakes.
There are so many things to do around Hoodoo Cascade, Montana! Off we go!
Hiking & Biking
Hiking is a must if you want to get to the cascades and neighboring Lava Lake, although you’ll be happy to know that it’s a steady, continuous, and thrilling trek. Of course, we’ve already mentioned the Lava Lake Trailhead, six miles trek to and from one of our favorite southern Montana spots.
But we also love the Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout up the road, as well as the epic trails in the canyon just to the east. If you’re heading down into Big Sky, we also highly recommend the Beehive Basin Trailhead for both hiking and biking.
The entire area surrounding Big Sky is ideal for cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, snowboarding, and all kinds of winter activities.
Further down Gallatin Road, we wholly recommend the Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures for an entirely unique Montana adventure. (They should also be commended for their great efforts in rescuing and caring for huskies!)
Swimming & Fishing
You’ll find numerous fishing opportunities around the more accessible Lava Lake, as well as even bigger fish once you reach the less attainable mountains. And if you’re lucky enough to spend the night at one of the nearby campgrounds, they’ve been perfectly placed along waterways to get your fishing thrills.
Pioneer Lake and Rat Lake are relatively close by, as well, if you’re aiming to explore a wider diameter of the forest. And if a fishing charter is more your thing, we typically point visitors in the direction of Montana Whitewater Rafting Company’s Yellowstone Fly Fishing branch.
If you’re newer to fly fishing or just looking for some company by way of an expert with great stories, check them out. And while it’s a bit of a drive, we definitely recommend boating at the Hyalite Reservoir, which has its own day-use boat ramp and undiscovered gem campsites.
Let’s talk about swimming! We highly, highly recommend dipping in at Lava Lake, Hoodoo Cascade’s nearest ally, for a refreshing break, whether you’re camping there or not. Swimming there is absolutely beautiful – both secluded and accessible.
Can you swim in the Hoodoo Cascade? Not recommended, although it’s a great spot to dip your toes in before submerging yourself fully in Lava Lake.
And as with fishing, Pioneer Lake is an excellent body of water nearby, although we’re a bit more partial to swimming at Lava Lake and anywhere along the Gallatin River that’ll have us.
Don’t be afraid to jump on in – the water’s great!
Camping & Lodging
