Upper Big Timber Falls

Upper Big Timber Falls sits in a narrow gorge on Big Timber Creek in the Crazy Mountains of south central Montana. The falls arrive early on the trail, which makes this one of the few spots in the range where big scenery doesn't take you a whole day of hiking. A marked side path leads off to an overlook above the drop, and that's where you'll want to set up. Going with a wide lens, lets you take in the walls and the water together, or go with long lens and pull out just the chute where the creek forces its way through. Being deep and narrow, the canyon keeps the falls in shade for most of the day, which is perfect if you're here to capture long exposures. Overcast suits it better than sun. Late spring is when the creek runs hardest ofter the snowmelt, and late September brings colour along the canyon. Worth planning around: this creek is well known among whitewater kayakers as some of the steepest water in Montana, and in spring you can sometimes catch a boat coming through from the overlook. Getting there takes some doing. Head north out of Big Timber on US 191, then west on Big Timber Canyon Road, which is gravel most of the way and rough enough at the end that you'll want to be in a vehicle with some clearance. There is a cattle gate you will have to pass through, so make sure to close it behind you. The road finishes at Halfmoon Campground and the trailhead (US Forest Service Trail #119 Trailhead). Snow does close the area down for the colder half of the year. Keep aware of your surroundings while shooting and you may want to carry bear spray, plus expect to lose your phone signal once you're in the canyon. (Big Timber Canyon, Sweet Grass County, Montana, USA)