Pine Creek Falls, Gallatin National Forest, Montana

ACTIVITIES: Hiking, waterfalls, fishing, camping

LENGTH OF HIKE: 2.5 miles

OUT AND BACK OR LOOP: Out and back

DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Moderate

ELEVATION GAIN: 460 feet at waterfall

PARKING FEE/PASS: No

TOILETS: Yes

CHANGING TABLE: No

NURSING BENCHES: No

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

BIKES/HORSES/MOTORS ON TRAIL: No

CELL RECEPTION: No

DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE: No

POTENTIAL CHILD OR BABY HAZARDS: Giardia reported in the water, unsafe
to drink.

GEAR SUGGESTIONS: Drinking water

A beautiful mountain hike just south of Livingston, Pine Creek Falls is a family favorite because there are beautiful views of all that the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness has to offer. The second highest mountain in Montana, Black
Mountain at 10,941 feet can be seen off in the Mountain at 10,941 feet can be seen off in the distance, adding to the “big” feeling this trail gives you.

Expect a little bit of climbing but nothing a 4-year-old can’t do. It’s dog friendly and fairly well trafficked most of the day. If you plan to hike alone first thing in the morning in the summer, consider bear spray.

The trail extends a lot farther to a popular but very hard hike called Pine Creek Lake, if you want to go beyond the 2.5 miles. The waterfall and narrow footbridge to cross the creek below the falls are fun for little ones to experience. Stop to play in the pool of water, and play with the small rocks that have been swept down by the falls. Be sure to bring your own drinking water, as giardia, the microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea and requires antibiotics to cure, is ever present in this area.

Also there are bears and other large animals, so making noise can alert animals to
your presence and encourage them to move on before you arrive on the trail.
Remember this trail is near Yellowstone National Park, which makes it a popular destination for those visiting the park, so expect to see a lot of people on the trail in the warmer months. This is a trail you can snowshoe and hike in the winter as
well, so if you are looking for more solitude, consider hiking it then. You can also hike out on various side trails from this main trail to get a little more mileage in.

Want to make it an overnighter? Check out the 25 single camping sites at Pine Creek Campground. They are first-come, first-served, plus there is a reservation group site. There is water at the campground, and the campground is handicapped
accessible.

INSIDER’S TIP
The road to the trailhead is located a short drive through the camping area. There are several parking areas (which become full on a busy summer day) and the trailhead is clearly marked.