Morrell Falls Trail

Morrell Falls is the classic Seeley Lake hike: a mostly level walk of 2.7 miles each way to a 90-foot double waterfall pouring into the northeast corner of 23-acre Morrell Lake.¹ It is National Recreation Trail #30 on the Lolo National Forest, and the round trip of about 5.4 miles fits comfortably in a morning.

The trail looks different than it did a decade ago. The 2017 Rice Ridge Fire burned the entire route, and the Pathfinder’s follow-up that October warned hikers to expect deadfall.² The trail descriptions below come from those 2015 and 2017 Pathfinder articles, so confirm conditions with the Seeley Lake Ranger District (406-677-2233, weekdays 8:00 to 4:30) before you drive out.⁴

How long is the hike to Morrell Falls?

The trail runs 2.7 miles one way. You reach Morrell Lake at about 2.3 miles, then follow the shore to the falls.¹ Plan on 5.4 miles round trip, plus any wandering along the lake.

How much elevation gain is there?

Very little, by Montana standards. The Pathfinder lists the trailhead at 4,730 feet, the falls at 4,840 feet and the trail’s high point at 4,880 feet, so the net change is roughly 110 to 150 feet.¹ The path rolls over small rises, and third-party estimates of cumulative climbing range from 300 to 480 feet. Either way, the climbing is gentle by mountain-trail standards.

No agency difficulty rating appears in the sources we checked; easy to moderate is a fair description given the distance and gain.

How do I get to the Morrell Falls trailhead?

These directions are from the Pathfinder’s 2015 trail page.¹ Forest road numbers rarely change, but surfaces and signage do.

1. From Highway 83, about half a mile north of Seeley Lake, turn east onto Morrell Creek Road.
2. After about 1 mile, turn left onto West Morrell Road (Forest Road 4353) and follow it about 6 miles.
3. Turn right onto Pyramid Pass Road #4381 for about a quarter mile.
4. Turn left onto Morrell Falls Road #4364 and drive about 1 mile to the trailhead.

The trailhead has a vault toilet and no drinking water.¹ Bring what you need. Pyramid Pass Road continues to the Pyramid Pass trailhead, and Morrell Creek Road also leads to the Seeley Creek Nordic trails, one mile east of the highway.⁸

What is the trail like after the Rice Ridge Fire?

The Rice Ridge Fire was lightning-caused, started July 24, 2017, and grew to about 155,900 acres.³ The Pathfinder reported that the fire burned the entire Morrell Falls trail.² In practical terms, that means:

• Deadfall. Expect logs across the trail, and be cautious under standing dead trees in wind.
• Less shade. Much of the old forest canopy is gone, so carry water and sun protection on warm days.
• Changing conditions. The ranger district can tell you what has been cleared recently.

For background on the fire and the evacuation of Seeley Lake, see our Rice Ridge Fire history. Current fire restrictions and closures are posted on the Lolo National Forest alerts page.⁵

Who can use the trail?

Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders all share Trail #30, and snowmobiles are allowed after December 1.¹ Yield to stock.

What will I see?

The falls themselves are the reason to go: a 90-foot double cascade at the head of Morrell Lake.¹ The Pathfinder asks visitors not to climb on the falls; wet rock and moving water make it dangerous.

The same article lists beaver, bobcat, bears, elk, deer, mountain lion and moose among the wildlife in the area.¹ Moving quietly early in the day improves your odds of seeing something, though it also raises the odds of surprising a bear, so balance the two.

Bear safety on the Morrell Falls trail

The Pathfinder describes this as grizzly country.¹ A Forest Service food and wildlife attractant storage order applies from March 1 to December 31 each year on the Lolo National Forest, requiring food, garbage and other attractants to be stored in a bear-resistant way when unattended; penalties can reach $5,000.⁶

FWP advises carrying bear spray where you can reach it quickly, standing your ground if a bear charges and spraying at 30 to 60 feet.⁷ Read our full wildlife and bear safety guide before you go.

When is the best time to hike Morrell Falls?

The trail stays between roughly 4,700 and 4,900 feet, well below high-country routes like Pyramid Pass.¹ The forest roads to the trailhead can stay snowy or muddy in spring, so check with the ranger district early in the season. Summer and early fall are the usual hiking months; after December 1 the route is shared with snowmobiles.