A waterfall is not merely a feature of the landscape; it is a mechanism of the watershed, a place where gravity and geology intersect to oxygenate the stream and shape the valley floor. Located about 30 miles from Wise River, Montana, tucked away into the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, the 20-foot Pintler Falls is a welcome, backcountry sight for folks looking for a comfortable, short hike and exciting natural views. The surrounding Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest dictates the character of the flow, filtering snowmelt through timber and soil before it reaches the precipice.

The Ecology of the Approach

To reach the falls requires engaging with the landscape on its own terms. The route follows the Pintler Creek Trail, covering a round-trip distance of 7.1 miles. The terrain demands a moderate effort, a fair exchange for the privilege of observing this mechanism of the watershed at close range.

Practical Geography

Land Management: USFS Region: Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Height: 20 feet Optimal Season: Not documented

Conservation Notes

The short trail is located off the Pintler Creek Road, deep within the “jewel of the Northern Rockies” as the Wilderness Area is called, in the Bitterroot national forests in Beaverhead County.