Hidden Montana Waterfall You’ve Got To See To Believe

Over the 4th of July weekend, I decided to do a little exploring. I had one goal in mind: find a waterfall. And let’s be honest, in Montana, that’s not exactly a tall order. We’ve got plenty of beautiful falls scattered around the state. But I wasn’t just looking for any waterfall—I wanted something totally different. And I found it.

Imagine a crystal-clear river flowing through a canyon, then suddenly vanishing—like, completely disappearing into the rock beneath your feet—only to reappear bursting out of a massive cavern wall downstream.

Sounds like something out of a movie, right? It’s real, and it’s called Natural Bridge Falls, located just south of Big Timber along the Boulder River.

The drive up the valley is gorgeous, with sweeping views of the mountains. If you’re hungry, the Boulder River Roadkill is about your only food option in the area—unless you bring your own lunch, which I recommend. There are two picnic areas right near the trailhead where you can stop and eat before hitting the trail.

The path is paved, short, and well-maintained with several scenic viewpoints. You’ll first cross a long wooden bridge and catch a glimpse of the upper waterfall. Keep going left to see where the river seems to disappear—and then reemerge as a roaring waterfall shooting out of a giant cavern in the cliffside.

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Want the best view? Cross back over the bridge and take the trail that drops steeply down to the pool below. It’s no joke—steep and rocky—but if you’re in decent shape, it’s worth the effort. I wouldn’t bring young kids down that section, but the view from below is unforgettable.