Pine Creek Falls Trail is a very busy and popular short hike to a beautiful waterfall. The Pine Creek trailhead is on the east side of Paradise Valley about ten miles south of Livingston, MT, an approximately 40 minute drive from Bozeman along I-90.

Pine Creek Trail trailhead

Pine Creek Trail trailhead

The Pine Creek Falls Trail is a just over 2 mile round trip hike, with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain. The trail is pretty rocky and rooty in places, but climbs fairly gradually so is a fairly easy and accessible hike. It does connect with the much longer and more difficult Pine Creek Lake and George Lake Trails. Pine Creek Lake is an additional 3 mile hike each way, and climbs a challenging 3,000 feet in that 3 miles.

The trail follows Pine Creek for most of the way, and has a few creek crossings and bridges. The bridges are all well constructed log bridges, with great views of the Creek underneath.

Pine Creek Trail Crossing

Pine Creek Trail Crossing

The forest around Pine Creek Trail is very rich and green, and full of huge pine trees. Because of the proximity to the creek, shade, and the damp environment much of the trail is surrounded by amazingly rich, green, and healthy moss and undergrowth.

Pine Creek Trail scenery

Pine Creek Trail scenery