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Hike to Mill Creek Falls

Hamilton, Montana

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

6 miles

Elevation Gain

650 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Meredith Baird

This is a nice, easy day hike with great views of the Bitterroots and a rewarding waterfall spot to have a picnic and relax.

The trailhead is easily visible from the parking area and ascends into a narrow canyon surrounded by dense forest. Mill Creek is not much more than a trickle at the beginning, but slowly gets larger and follows the trail the entire hike. About a half mile in, cross the log bridge over Mill Creek.

Soon the canyon will open up and give way to stunning craggy mountain views towering overhead. There are signs of a past fire, which has cleared out much of the older growth and along the way there are patches of dense new growth.

About two miles in, the trail enters into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, and at three miles you will find Mill Creek Falls. The falls billow down boulders into a nice pool, which I imagine would be great for swimming in the summer months. There are large boulders and some flat rock surfaces surrounding the falls on all levels for nice picnicking spots.

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Features

Chillin
Swimming
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Swimming Hole

Hike to Mill Creek Falls Reviews

A lovely little hike to the falls and back. Some elevation gain but not too much. Beautiful full rock faces on the north side of the canyon. The water was low but still exciting. It was quite smokey due to fires in CA.

This is an easy and beautiful hike that is typical for the Bitterroot valley. Four stars because it's not extremely epic! But very approachable and rewarding!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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