Yellowstone National Park is filled with incredible scenery and natural wonders. While geysers and wildlife are synonymous with
Yellowstone, the hundreds of waterfalls located within its 2.2
million acres are also part of the wild and wonderful beauty that is
Yellowstone. Many of the waterfalls remain unnamed; however,
Yellowstone has at least 45 named waterfalls and cascades. Some
waterfalls can be seen from the road – like Firehole Falls. Others
may require hiking the trails to see them – like Union Falls.
From powerful to delicate – each waterfall is unique in its height,
width, water volume, and the type of waterfall it is.
Yellowstone’s
most popular waterfalls are the easily accessible waterfalls located
on or near the road (like Firehole Falls, Tower Fall, Gibbon Falls,
Kepler Cascades, Undine Falls, and, of course, the Upper and Lower
Falls of the Yellowstone River).
However,
many of Yellowstone’s waterfalls are located in the backcountry
within the Bechler area (southwest region of the park). Also known
as “Cascade Corner”, this part of the park is wet and wild and
overflowing with an abundant number of waterfalls. The best way to
see one of these waterfalls is to do a day hike or do a
backpacking trip for a more extensive waterfall experience.
Considering the number of waterfalls there are in Yellowstone, this blog post barely begins to boast about these bountiful beauties. I’m gong to present the ones we’ve seen in alphabetical order.
NPS Map Showing Waterfall Locations
Cave Falls:
According to my October 2011 trip notes, we drove down a muddy, dirt
road for 19 miles to its dead-end where the Cave Falls parking lot is
located (Bechler region in the southwest corner of the Park).
Unpaved Road to Cave Falls
Trail to Cave Falls
It’s an easy 3/10’s of a mile walk along the Falls River to see
the falls. What makes Cave Falls impressive isn’t its 20’ height
but its width. At 250 feet wide, it is probably the Park’s widest
waterfall.
Cave Falls View from Cave (1989)
Cave Falls (2011)
The falls were named in the early 1920’s because of the small cave
found at the base of the falls. A collapse in the cave occurred
sometime after our 1989 visit. The “cave” is now closed to the
public.
Crystal Falls:
While we have visited Yellowstone repeatedly over the years, we still
manage to find new things. In 2018, we discovered Crystal Falls.
Actually, Cornelius Hedges of the Washburn expedition discovered the
falls in 1870. However, these falls are often overlooked because
they are located in the Canyon area of Yellowstone where it has to
compete with the popular Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone
River.
In this quiet setting, Cascade Creek drops 129 feet to create the
lovely, tiered Crystal Falls. From this view point, we can’t see
the base of the falls because of the trees. Also, during our
September visit, we were glad to see some water running in the falls.
I’m guessing the water flow would be greater in the spring/early
summer.
Crystal/Cascade Creek Falls (2018)
From the Brink of the Upper Falls, it’s an easy and short walk to
view Crystal Falls. From the parking lot, walk safely along the
roadside to where the North Rim Trail is located. At the trail sign,
keep right and go a short distance to the overlook. Crystal Falls
will be on your left.
Fairy Falls:
We visited Fairy Falls in late September of 2010. For a detailed
description on our hike to Fairy Falls, please click on the link
“Hiking Yellowstone: Fairy Falls & Imperial Geyser” at the
end of this post.
For now, let me say that Fairy Creek drops an impressive 197 feet
(the fourth highest named waterfall in the Park) from a rocky ledge
into a shaded pool. As the water falls, it spreads over the rocky
alcove creating a delicate and magical appearance. Captain J. W.
Barlow named the falls in 1871 for its graceful beauty.
Fairy Falls (2010)
Fairy Falls
Firehole Falls:
Firehole Falls are located on the Firehole River along the one-way
Firehole Canyon Road. There is limited parking at the falls area but
the 40-foot high cascade-type waterfall can be seen from a car
window. For more information on the scenic Firehole Canyon Drive
and Falls, please click on the link at the end of this post.
Firehole Falls (2014)
Gibbon Falls:
The Gibbon River drops 84 feet to create Gibbon Falls. This fan-type
waterfall was discovered in 1872 by members of the second Hayden
survey. It appears the falls were named after the river.
Gibbon Falls (2011)
The
falls are located along the Grand Loop Road between Madison and
Norris Junctions. Before there was limited parking and this area was
highly congested. In more recent years, the area has been redesigned
to provide more parking and offer a gently sloping paved walking
trail to several view points.
Kepler
Cascades:
Located on the Firehole River, Kepler Cascades drops 150 feet in a
set of multiple cascades. When we travel the Grand Loop Road
(between West Thumb Geyser Basin and Old Faithful), we often stop
here. The wooden viewing platform is close to the roadside pullout.
It’s a quick and easy stop.
Kepler Cascades (2009)
In 1881, Park Superintendent Norris named this cascade for 12-year
old Kepler Hoyt who toured Yellowstone that year with his father,
John Hoyt (Governor of the Wyoming Territory).
Lewis Falls:
About 11 miles north of Yellowstone’s South Entrance is Lewis
Falls. They are located on the Lewis River just south of Lewis Lake.
A pullout and parking area offer easy viewing of this 30-foot high
cascade-type waterfall.
The falls were named after Meriwether Lewis who (along with William
Clark) explored the uncharted western United States from 1803-1807.
Lewis Falls (2009)
Lost Creek Falls:
The 3/10’s of a mile long trail to Lost Creek Falls begins behind
Roosevelt Lodge (non-guests of the Lodge should park at the roadside
parking lot near the Lodge’s entrance). Our walk through the shady
forest involves about 100 feet in elevation change. The dirt trail
follows Lost Creek which was named in 1878 by Geologist William
Holmes. During our early October visit, we had the trail to
ourselves. At that time, the 40’ high fall had a low water flow and trees obscured our view of the lower portion of the falls.
Trail and Lost Creek
Lost Creek Falls (2018)
Lower Falls:
At 308-feet, the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River are the highest in the Park. As a
comparison, they are 131 feet taller than Niagara Falls (although
Niagara Falls is wider).
The Lower Falls can be seen from a number of view points along the
Canyon’s North Rim Drive (Brink of the Lower Falls, Lookout Point,
Grand View Point, and Inspiration Point). At Inspiration Point there
is a handicap accessible trail (redesigned and reopened in 2018) to a
viewing platform.
The Brink of the Lower Falls offers an excellent view of the top of
the falls. Did you notice the green color in the water? It’s the
result of a nick in the rock at the top of the falls which causes the
water to be deeper at that spot. The lack of air prevents the water
from becoming foamy making the water look a dark green.
Lower Falls (2009)
There
are two view points along the South Rim Drive – Uncle Tom’s Trail
and Artists Point. To view my photos and more information on each of
the Canyon’s observation points, please click on the link “A Ton
of Fun at the Canyon” at the end of this post.
Moose Falls:
Located 1.2 miles north of the Park’s South Entrance, Moose Falls
(30’ high) is considered a roadside waterfall. Although, this
plunge-type waterfall is best seen by taking a short trail down the
hill near the edge of Crawfish Creek. In 1885, members of the Arnold
Hague Geologic Survey named it Moose Falls because of the high
concentration of moose found in the southern section of the Park.
There is a small pullout for parking.
Moose Falls (2009)
Mystic Falls:
The Little Firehole River drops 70’ to create Mystic Falls. This
cascade-type waterfall was originally called “Little Firehole
Falls” by the 1872 Hayden survey. By 1885, it was known as Mystic
Falls.
Mystic Falls (2011)
During our October 2011 visit, we drive to the Biscuit Basin parking
lot where we access the trail to Mystic Falls (near Avoca Spring at
the back of the basin). It’s late in the afternoon when we begin
our 2.6 mile round trip hike to the falls (only 115 feet of elevation
change). We hope we’ll get back to the car before nightfall.
The bad news … it’s raining and that means it will get dark a
little earlier tonight. We need to get moving! Because of the
rain, the dirt trail through the lodgepole pine forest is muddy and
we jump over a few mud puddles. As we climb a bit in elevation, the
trail dries out and we walk along a ridge with the sounds of the
river to our left. By the time we reach Mystic Falls, the setting
sun is painting the sky in colorful shades of peach and pink. The
misty fog creates an ethereal appearance to the area around the falls
and the river. Meanwhile, a full moon is rising in the eastern sky.
Thankfully, the moonlight helps to light the landscape during our
return hike. As soon as we arrive at the Biscuit Basin boardwalk,
the moon slips behind a layer of thick clouds and disappears for the
rest of the night.
Trail along Little Firehole River
First View of Mystic Falls
Rustic Falls:
Rustic Falls (on Glen Creek) is a 47’ high roadside waterfall
located on the east side of the Grand Loop Road near the Golden Gate
Bridge (south of Mammoth). There are a couple of pullouts with
limited space along the roadside. Watch for traffic and pedestrians
as the area can get a bit congested.
Rustic Falls (2018)
Rustic Falls (2014)
This fan-type waterfall was named in 1879 by P .W. Norris (Park
Superintendent).
Silver Cord Cascade:
Silver Cord Cascade (on Surface Creek) is reported to plunge
1,000-1,200 feet down the canyon wall into the Yellowstone River.
This horsetail-type waterfall was another recent discovery for us.
Silver Cord Cascade, like Crystal Falls, is another canyon area
waterfall that is often overlooked. Maybe that is because it
requires a two mile hike (round trip) and the view across the canyon
makes the thin ribbon of water appear distant whereas the Lower and
Upper Falls provide closer viewing platforms. However, the trail
through the lodgepole pine forest is a quiet walk offering a shady
respite from the other busy and congested Canyon areas.
In my opinion, the easiest way to see Silver Cord Cascade is to hike
the one mile trail that begins at the Glacial Boulder/Seven Mile Hole
Trailhead. From the Canyon’s North Rim Drive, the trailhead is
about 4/10’s of a mile before Inspiration Point. The parking area
is on the left side of the road. If you pass the Glacial Boulder,
you’ve gone too far.
Trailhead Sign
The dirt trail is easy to follow and fairly level. Near the
beginning of the trail is a small stream with fallen logs for
footbridges (or if you have long legs – jump). The trail climbs
upwards toward the north rm offering peek-a-boo views of the Grand
Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
Peek-A Boo Views of the Canyon
Near the one-mile point, we find the opening in the trees that
provides us with a view across the canyon to Silver Cord Cascade.
There aren’t any fences here. So, while we appreciate the
undisturbed natural and scenic beauty that offers us, we never forget
this – it’s not worth falling for a waterfall photo.
Silver Cord Cascade (2018)
In the Park’s early years, this cascade was called “Sliding
Cascade” and “Silverthread Fall”. In 1885, “Silver Cord
Cascade” became the accepted name.
Tower Fall:
In 1870, members of the Washburn party were inspired by the towers
and pinnacles that surrounded the waterfall. A vote was taken and
the name Tower Fall was approved.
Tower Fall is located along the Grand Loop Road behind the
Yellowstone General Store at Tower. Because this is a popular and
easily accessible waterfall, the Tower Fall area is very busy.
During peak season, parking may seem impossible.
We follow the short paved walkway leading to an overlook of the
falls. From this viewpoint, we watch Tower Creek drop 132 feet.
The dark and foreboding canyon area above Tower Fall is called
Devil’s Den.
Tower Fall (2011)
Devil's Den (2011)
Undine Falls
Undine Falls is located along the Grand Loop Road between Mammoth and
Tower (about four miles east of Mammoth). At Undine Falls, Lava
Creek spills over the cliff and descends in two tiers. The upper
tier drops 60 feet and the lower tier drops 38 feet. This roadside
waterfall is easily accessible by a short walk to the overlook.
Undine Falls (2014)
In the early Park history, Undine Falls was known by different
variations of the name “Gardiner Falls”. In 1885, Arnold Hague
(geologist) named them Undine Falls. Undine is defined as “a group
of female water spirits”. Undines were believed to live around
waterfalls.
Union Falls:
Union Falls is located on Mountain Ash Creek in the Bechler region of
the Park. At 250 feet high, it is the second highest waterfall in
Yellowstone. In the mid-1880’s, members of the Hague Geological
Survey Party named them Union Falls due to the joining of two rivers
at the brink of the falls.
Our hike to Union Falls began at the roadside trailhead
on Grassy Lake Road (southwest corner of the park). The trail is
rated as moderate to difficult. According
to my August 1989 trip notes, the 16 mile round-trip hike involved 950 feel in
elevation change and required us to ford a couple of streams
(fortunately they weren’t too deep). We hit the trail early in the
morning … and so did about 100 boy scouts. In this often secluded
area of the park, we were not alone. The dirt trail passes through
forests and ultimately ends at a clearing that offers a full view of
the falls. This was a long day hike but well worth the effort it
took to see these impressive falls.
Union Falls (1989)
Upper Falls:
Along the one-way Canyon’s North Rim Drive and the South Rim Drive
there are several vantage points for viewing the Upper Falls of the
Yellowstone River. The Upper Falls drop 109 feet making them pretty
impressive and a “must see” when visiting the Park.
Upper Falls (2018)
To view
my photos and more information on each of the Canyon’s view points,
please click on the link “A Ton of Fun at the Canyon” at the end
of this post.
Virginia Cascades
Located about 2.5 miles east of Norris Junction, Virginia Cascade is
a 60-foot long slope on the Gibbon River. This roadside cascade is
found on the one-way Virginia Cascade Road (a 2.5 mile spur road
between Norris and Canyon). In the late 1800’s, this stretch of
road was part of the original Grand Loop Road (before
the present day Grand Loop Road was built). Today, parking along the
narrow paved road is limited and the heavily forested area makes it
difficult to view the entire falls from this road.
Virginia Cascades (1987)
Wraith Falls:
Wraith Falls are located about six miles east of Mammoth along the
Grand Loop Road. A relatively easy (about 100 feet in elevation
gain) and short trail (one mile round trip) provides us with a
pleasant walk through open meadows and forest to the base of the
falls. From this view, we see Lupine Creek sliding down about 100’
to create Wraith Falls.
Wraith Falls (2005)
They were named in 1885. The reason is not known but the streams of white water might have reminded those early surveyors of a ghost (a “wraith” is an apparition or ghost).
During our September 2005 visit, Wraith Falls were barely visible. They had a thin and wispy ghost-like appearance…disappearing a bit more with each passing day of the autumn season. In its "full glory", the waterfalls were described as a "white bulb-shaped gusher". This description got me to thinking about the various types of waterfalls.
I did some research on the Internet. Using Wikipedia as my main source, I found the following types:
Ledge waterfalls descend vertically over a cliff while maintaining partial contact with the rock. This type includes the Block (or Sheet) waterfall which has the classic rectangle shape and descends from a wide stream or river creating a thunderous falls.
Plunge waterfalls are fast moving to the point where the descending water does not have any contact with the face of the rock. The highest plunge-type waterfall in Yellowstone is the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
Horsetail waterfalls maintain contact with the rock most of the time and may look like a horse’s tail. The highest horsetail-type waterfall in Yellowstone is Silver Cord Cascade. This category also includes fan-types which spread horizontally as it glides down the rocky slope giving the appearance of an upside down fan. Yellowstone’s Union Falls is a fan-type waterfall. Another waterfall type in this category is the Ribbon waterfall which has a very narrow stream of water that is much taller than it is wide. An example of a Ribbon type waterfall would be Fairy Falls in Yellowstone.
Cascades have water descending in a series of rock steps or a series of small waterfalls along a river. Yellowstone has many cascades such as Virginia Cascades.
Tiered waterfalls (aka multi-step or staircase falls) are a series of waterfalls all about the same size with each “step” having its own plunge pool.
Cataract falls are powerful and thunderous sounding.
Segmented waterfalls have distinctly separate water flows with two or more parallel segments as the water descends. The natural split in the water flow is usually caused by a rock.
Frozen waterfalls have some element of ice or snow. If you visit Yellowstone in the winter, you will definitely find this type of waterfall.
Moulin waterfalls are found in glaciers. While the forces of long-ago glaciers are evident in Yellowstone’s landscape, there aren’t any active glaciers in Yellowstone anymore.
No matter how many times I visit Yellowstone, I never get tired of
seeing its ever-changing scenery. I invite you to view my other blog
posts on Yellowstone National Park by clicking on the following
links:
Planning a visit to Yellowstone? Food and lodging options are
available inside the park and in towns just outside the park (West
Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City/Silver Gate – all located in
Montana). I highly recommend making lodging reservations in advance.
Yellowstone is a popular destination and “No Vacancy” signs are
common especially during the peak summer months. Since opinions,
preferences, and budgets vary, I suggest checking a trusted travel
source for current reviews.
My best advice is this - don’t just drive through Yellowstone –
experience it!
The National Park Service has created a series of short videos titled
“Inside Yellowstone”. It’s a fast and fun way to learn about
the Park. Click on the following link to begin this Yellowstone
experience.
Family vacations created some of my favorite memories. To start
planning your memorable trip to Yellowstone, please click on the
following link:
