It’s pronounced SKAL-KA-HO
Everyone Should See it at Least Once
Take a quick 24 mile drive from downtown Hamilton to view the spectacular Skalkaho Falls.
Falls Creek creates these Falls as the creek plunges 150 feet down towards Skalkaho Creek.
The Falls are a little taller and noisier than you might think for such a small creek, creating an impressive experience that is well worth the drive.
And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, continue along the scenic Skalkaho Road (MT 38), also known as the Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway, over Skalkaho Pass to the charming town of Philipsburg, MT.
It’s a great way to spend a day and to see some incredible Montana scenery.
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What’s With the Weird Name?
Bitterroot Valley residents and frequent visitors forget how odd the word Skalkaho seems to others.
We’ve all become accustomed to its pronunciation, but for those giving it a try for the first time, you hear some interesting and humorous variations.
Most articles attribute the word to the Salish, the longtime residents of the Bitterroot Valley before white settlement, and interpret its meaning as “place of many roads”.
However, this excellent article about the history of the Skalkaho Road claims the Flathead dictionary of 1865 deduced that Skalkaho meant “place of beaver”, while others in the 1950’s claimed it meant “game trail”.
We’ve decided that pronouncing the name is challenging enough and we’ll pass on trying to determine who’s right about what the word originally meant.
Proceed Cautiously
The journey to Skalkaho Falls on Highway 38 begins as a regular 2-lane paved road.
But pavement ends and the road narrows to one lane as you make your way towards the Falls.
Skalkaho Road / Bitterroot Info
As you get closer there are steep drop-off’s along the roadside, and there are frequent pull-out’s for cars to pass each other.
Drive carefully and keep an eye out for each other while sharing the road.
The Next Best Thing to Being There
If you would like to experience the power and beauty of Skalkaho Falls, but can’t make the trip, check out this excellent video.
That’s a Good Question
It’s pronounced SKAL-KA-HO
Skalkaho Falls are 150 feet tall.
Although the Falls run all year, MT 38 is closed from late November to late May and motor vehicle access is not possible.