Ousel Falls Trailhead
Ousel Falls Trailhead is a hiking starting point in Gallatin County, Montana, that leads to an impressive waterfall. The route spans about 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) round trip and travels through forests and across small bridges that cross the river, with moderate elevation changes.
The area was named after the Ousel bird, a small creature that has inhabited these mountains for a long time. Over time, the area was developed with trails and facilities for visitors to access the waterfall and surrounding natural landscape.
The trail is named after the Ousel bird, also called the American Dipper, a small gray bird frequently seen near the stream. Visitors can watch this bird diving into the water and standing on rocks in the river, especially during early summer months.
The trailhead is located south of Lone Mountain Trail on Ousel Falls Road and is easy to find. Parking, restrooms, information signs, and picnic tables are available, and the path can be walked year-round, with snowshoes or traction devices recommended during winter.
Nearby grows the rare Fairy Orchid, a delicate plant that can be easily damaged by feet straying off the trail. Visitors who stay on marked paths help protect this sensitive ecosystem and its unique plant species.
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