A free, year-round accessible picnic area with an easy walk to waterfall views and a historic natural bridge site.
No fees are required for this site (day use only, open sunrise to sunset)
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Open all year, but the Boulder River's flow varies seasonally, generally fullest during spring runoff
Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area is located approximately 25 miles south of Big Timber via U.S. Route 298 in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The site offers a 0.7-mile easy walk and day-use-only access to waterfall views along the Boulder River.
There is no entrance fee. The site is open year-round, though the Boulder River’s flow varies seasonally and is generally fullest during spring runoff. The picnic area provides a convenient stop with facility amenities.
The original natural rock bridge that once defined this site collapsed in July 1988, but the area remains a scenic waterfall destination. Dogs are not mentioned in the official information. Before visiting, check Forest Service updates for any seasonal advisories or maintenance closures.
Learn more from the U.S. Forest Service Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area page.
Year-round access. Water flow is generally fullest during spring runoff, but the site is open all year.
No fees are required for this site (day use only, open sunrise to sunset)
Via a 0.7-mile round-trip trail rated easy by the managing agency.
We track 4 waterfalls in Southwest Montana.
fs.usda.gov
fs.usda.gov/r01/custergallatin/recreation/natural-bridge-falls-picnic-area, checked 2026-09-03: Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area, about 25 miles south of Big Timber via US 298, day-use only, open all year, no fee. The original natural rock bridge collapsed in July 1988. Coordinates are the official picnic-area location listed on the Forest Service page.
Checked September 2026.