Top 11 List of Yellowstone National Park Waterfalls: Must-See

Today, we’re diving into the breathtaking world of Yellowstone National Park waterfalls. Imagine standing at the edge of cascading waters, surrounded by the untamed beauty of one of America’s most iconic parks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual visitor, the majestic waterfalls of Yellowstone offer a spectacle that captivates the heart and soul.

In this article, we’ll explore the most stunning falls, share tips on the best times to visit, and provide insights into the unique geological features that make these waterfalls truly extraordinary. So, grab your hiking boots and join us as we uncover the hidden gems of Yellowstone National Park waterfalls with nationalparkshops’s team!

How many waterfalls are there in Yellowstone National Park?

According to Linda Veress, a spokesperson for Yellowstone National Park, determining the exact number of waterfalls in the park is challenging. Some may be minor or only appear seasonally, while others release vast amounts of water year-round. Nonetheless, Veress confidently states that there are numerous waterfalls throughout the park. Identifying which ones are the most beautiful or worth visiting is subjective. She recommends visitors approach their experience with an open mind to find the scenery that resonates with them.

Veress emphasizes the value of exploration while driving through the park, noting that you may encounter a waterfall that captivates you.

Regardless of your activities or destinations, she advises hiking responsibly, staying on designated trails, and disposing of trash properly. Additionally, it’s important to remember that the park is home to some of North America’s most untamed wildlife.

“Yellowstone has a thriving grizzly bear population,” Veress warns. “Therefore, it’s essential to carry bear spray and hike in groups of three or more”.

>> Best Time To Visit Yellowstone National Park

Best for Highest: Lower Falls

Height: 308 feet

The quickest way to experience the falls is by driving the one-way loop located east of Canyon Village. Multiple viewing points and a challenging hiking trail take you to the top of the falls for a more intimate view.

Lower Falls, part of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, is the iconic of Yellowstone National Park waterfall – it exemplifies the stunning beauty of cascading white water surrounded by remarkable natural scenery. Be sure to have your camera ready, as it looks stunning from any angle where mist sprays.

Lower Falls cascades down from a height of 308 feet, releasing over 60,000 gallons of water per second at its peak flow in spring (while in autumn, the volume decreases to about 5,000 gallons per second, which is still quite impressive).

Best for a Day Hike: Fairy Falls

Over the years, the experience of visiting this nearly 200-foot-tall Yellowstone National Park waterfall has evolved.

Initially, during our first visit, we hiked a round-trip route of over five miles (possibly closer to six) through a recovering forest that the 1988 wildfires had severely damaged.

Thirteen years later, we returned and noticed that the forest appeared to have nearly fully healed!

The informal “social trail” we previously used to view the Grand Prismatic Spring has now been replaced by an officially constructed spur trail and lookout, significantly increasing the trail’s popularity (including the difficulty of finding parking at the trailhead)!

However, one constant has been the waterfall itself, which still cascades elegantly in relative solitude, as most visitors do not venture beyond the overlook for the Grand Prismatic Spring.

Regardless of the various changes, both positive and negative, we consider it one of our top choices in Yellowstone because of the overall experience.

Best for up-close views: Upper Falls

There are two great options for seeing the Upper Falls. One offers a very short walk for a grand view of the falls from afar. The other will offer a VERY up-close view, for slightly more effort.

• Option One: View of the Upper Falls from afar at the Upper Falls View Point
• Option Two: View of Upper Falls UP CLOSE from the Brink of the Upper Falls

The first thing you’ll likely notice about the Upper Falls is its dramatic views. And the colors! You’ll see pink, red, yellow and white palettes in the canyon; the water is gorgeous turquoise. The dramatic colors carved out of the canyon will make you want to stare and stare some more at this Yellowstone National Park waterfall.

The Yellowstone River crashes its way through the Upper Falls at 109 feet, with puffs of steam emanating from sections of the falls. The canyon comes from water supplied by ice dams that melted and flooded the region during the most recent ice age.

Best for Geothermal Surrounds: Mystic Falls

Height: 70 feet

The quickest way to view this Yellowstone National Park waterfall is a 2.4-mile round-trip hike along a trail. To access the trailhead, walk 0.3 miles to the opposite side of the Biscuit Basin boardwalk.

Mystic Falls flows from the Little Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park’s Upper Geyser Basin. It cascades through an area with geothermal activity, where steam often rises from the ground, adding a touch of enchantment to the landscape.

The path to the falls enhances the experience, as it meanders through mixed conifer forests adorned with wildflowers that bloom along the trail during the summer.

>> Top 8 Yellowstone National Park Geysers

Best falls for swimming: Firehole Falls

Height: 40 feet

The quickest way to view the falls is by driving along Firehole Canyon Drive, which is located off the Grand Loop south of Madison, and looking for the viewpoint.

Lava flow-formed canyon walls frame Firehole Falls, which transitions into a calmer area downstream at the Firehole Swimming Area. This area can be reached by descending stairs that lead to a rocky beach. Despite its name, the waters in this Yellowstone National Park waterfall are not warm enough for swimming. The temperatures are quite cool, making swimming only advisable in the hotter summer months.

>> Top 11 Yellowstone National Park Hot Springs You Must See

Best for Photography: Tower Fall

Height: 132 feet

The quickest route to the falls is to walk 1/10 of a mile from the parking area on Grand Loop Road to the Tower Fall Overlook.

Both amateur and seasoned photographers will enjoy experimenting with shutter speeds to photograph this Yellowstone National Park waterfall, which plunges continuously for 132 feet.

Although the base of Tower Fall is obscured by vegetation, the rich greenery along with the jagged rock formations above the falls (which some say resemble alligator teeth) adds significant visual interest to the scene. It’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo here, making it an excellent spot to either zoom in or out and creatively capture your own distinct perspective.

Gibbon Falls

Gibbon Falls is situated in a classic Yellowstone landscape featuring rugged cliffs and sparse pine trees.

Easily accessible from the road connecting Madison and Norris Junctions, the breathtaking Gibbon Falls is a short drive from the West Yellowstone Park entrance. If you’re fortunate, you might catch a glimpse (and hear) of the falls from your car. However, it’s recommended to park and take a few steps into the forest to fully appreciate the Yellowstone National Park waterfalls, which drop 84 feet into a small, clear basin. The surroundings exemplify Yellowstone, characterized by scattered pine trees and rocky cliffs.

>> Yellowstone National Park Weather Forecast: Month-by-Month

Kepler Cascades

While you’re in the Old Faithful area, make sure to check out the 100-foot Kepler Cascades, which flow dramatically through a rocky canyon located south of Old Faithful Village.

Kepler Cascades is a stunning Yellowstone National Park waterfall that manages the fierce currents of the Firehole River. Be sure to take your camera out for another beautiful family photo beneath these cascades.

Undine Falls

You can easily view this stunning Yellowstone National Park waterfall from the Grand Loop Road, but there is also an option for a hike if your family is interested.

Undine Falls is named after wise sprites that are said to inhabit areas near waterfalls. This waterfall drops 60 feet into a deep canyon, regardless of whether the sprites are involved. It’s a great spot for tranquility since it’s not very crowded.

If you want to make a hike out of visiting the falls, consider taking the Lava Creek Trail close to West Yellowstone, Montana. Along the trail, you’ll probably encounter others who are birdwatching, fishing, and hiking, making it a good choice if your family enjoys those activities.

Bechler Falls

Bechler Falls is among the widest and most substantial waterfalls in Yellowstone, located in the secluded southwest area of the park. While driving to it, you may question your route since it’s off the main road. However, taking a dirt road to witness these stunning Yellowstone National Park waterfalls is worthwhile.

Similar to Cave Falls, Bechler Falls cannot be reached from the primary sections of the park. Nonetheless, it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re traveling between Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

Cave Falls

Bechler Falls and Cave Falls will be discussed together since they can be reached on the same hike or drive. Although these waterfalls are nearby, they are quite isolated compared to the rest of Yellowstone National Park.

We suggest visiting these Yellowstone National Park waterfalls only if you’re entering or exiting the park through the south entrance. This stop could be ideal if your itinerary includes both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Cave Falls is about as long as a football field, making it the widest waterfall in Yellowstone, and its expansive width is impressive. There’s a nice swimming hole at the base, but be cautious while swimming, especially with younger children.

Both falls can also be accessed from the Bechler Ranger Station, which is the starting point for the Cascade Corner trail. The wetlands in Bechler Meadows attract various wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, and great blue herons. Trails can be wet until July, so remember to bring boots for your kids and bear spray.

How to choose the best Yellowstone National Park Waterfalls to view?

When planning your visit to Yellowstone National Park, choosing the best waterfalls to view can greatly enhance your experience. The park is home to several stunning waterfalls, each offering unique perspectives and accessibility options. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting which waterfalls to explore.

One of the most iconic Yellowstone National Park waterfalls is the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Standing at an impressive 308 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in the park and provides breathtaking views from various overlooks, such as Artist Point and Lookout Point. Nearby, the Upper Falls, with its 109-foot drop, also offers stunning vistas and can be accessed via the Brink of the Upper Falls trail. Both of these waterfalls are must-see attractions that showcase the natural beauty of Yellowstone.

For those looking for easily reachable options, Gibbon Falls and Tower Falls are excellent choices. Gibbon Falls is conveniently located near the road between Norris and Madison, making it a quick stop for travelers. Tower Fall, with its dramatic 132-foot drop, is also easily accessible from a nearby parking area, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty without extensive hiking.

If you’re up for a hike, consider visiting Fairy Falls, which requires a moderate trek of about 5.4 miles round trip from the Midway Geyser Basin trailhead. This picturesque Yellowstone National Park waterfall drops 197 feet and offers a more secluded experience away from the crowds. The hike itself is rewarding, taking you through beautiful landscapes before reaching the stunning falls.

>> 12 Best Yellowstone National Park Tours of 2024

Conclusion

Okay, so we’ve journeyed together through the cascading wonders of Yellowstone, haven’t we? I sincerely hope we will meet again, there, between the rocks and the water. The memories forged amidst the mist and rainbows of Yellowstone National Park waterfalls will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, beckoning you back to witness their timeless allure time and again. Finally, I trust this article is the beginning of a great adventure for you.

>> Read More:

• Top 15 Hotels Near Yellowstone National Park for an Unforgettable Stay
• Top 9 Affordable Lodging in Yellowstone National Park 2024
• 17 Best Places to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park: Dream Stay Today