Ousel Falls  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  5,600' Lat, Long:  45.2385, -111.3427 Map Page Views:  103. Good page?    Administrators:  grk10vq, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Ryan Morse on Jan 31, 2013 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Thanksgiving 2010.

Description 

A cold canyon with a handicap accessible path that freezes early and offers 4 ice climbs of 25' or less. Rarely crowded, and mostly used as a half-day, lunch-break, or after-last-call venue. Also great in combination with a day at Big Sky/Moonlight resort. As for the ice, the falls freeze solid and the typical pillar formation is chandeliered (due to the mineral content of the area).

[Random related factoid: The namesake of this area is a small, watergoing bird. The ousel, also known as an "american dipper," is known for scooting about the bottoms of fast moving, rocky streams in search for food. They have all sorts of special underwater adaptations. Wikipedia that shit.]

Getting There 

Use Google Maps to find Ousel Falls Road in Big Sky, MT. From the Big Sky Spur/Ousel Falls Rd. intersection, travel 1.5 miles or so to "Ousel Falls Park." Parking area on the left. Follow the very distinct signage.

The approach is about 15 minutes.

The Classics

Featured Route For Ousel Falls

Right Hand Routes WI4  MT : Ousel Falls

This is the middle of three right hand routes on the right hand side of the path to the main falls. You cannot miss these obvious pillars. Conditions dictate grade, ranging from WI3 to WI4+. Usually chandeliered ice. All three can be ticked off in a day. ...[more]   Browse More Classics in MT