Top 20 Best Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park
Nearly everyone has heard of Yellowstone’s thousands of hydrothermal features, but what you might not know is that Yellowstone is home to nearly 300 waterfalls, 40 of which are named.
From towering cascades to gentle streams, the park's waterfalls are a sight to behold. The park's unique geology and abundance of water create the perfect environment for these incredible natural wonders. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a peaceful spot to relax, Yellowstone's waterfalls are sure to impress.
So, for all you waterfall enthusiasts, here’s a curated list of the park’s 20 best falls, starting with our favorites.
Please note: As a general rule, swimming is not permitted at any of these falls, nor in any of Yellowstone’s waters. If you’re looking to swim, check out our itinerary for information on Yellowstone’s two swimming areas.
1. Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon
Shutterstock Image
Location: Center East, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Accessed by: Roadside
Our first fall takes us to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone on the park's eastern side, a dramatic and colorful canyon carved out by the Yellowstone River. If we could only recommend one destination for fall hunters, it would be the Grand Canyon.
The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park, dropping a staggering 308 feet into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The waterfall is easily accessible via several overlooks, including the famous Artist Point, which provides stunning views of the falls and the canyon.
The Lower Falls is particularly breathtaking during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light casts a warm glow on the falls and the surrounding landscape.
2. Upper Falls of the Grand Canyon
Image from Unsplash by Miles Farnsworth
Location: Center East, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Accessed by: Short walk, hike
Our number two choice is also the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
You can see the stunning 109-foot drop of the Upper Falls from several overlooks. We particularly recommend accessing our favorite overlook via the short, ¼-mile Brink of the Upper Falls Trail.
The combination of the towering waterfall and majestic canyon makes for an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to check out Uncle Tom’s Trail for a lower vantage point if you have time. You’ll have to pay the toll fee, though. A fee of 300 steps down, and then back up.
3. Fairy Falls
Image from Unsplash by Intricate Explorer
Location: Midway Geyser Basin, southwest of Southern Loop
Accessed by: Moderate hike
Fairy Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Midway Geyser Basin area of Yellowstone National Park. The falls drop 197 feet and are fed by the Little Firehole River.
Visitors can access the falls by taking a 5.4-mile round trip hike on the Fairy Falls Trail, which is a moderate hike that passes by the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook, through beautiful meadows and forests, and finally, to the falls. The waterfall ranks among the tallest in the park and comes highly recommended.
4. Gibbon Falls
Image from Flickr by Yellowstone National Park
Location: Northeast of the Southern Loop
Accessed by: Roadside, optional short walk
In the west-central part of Yellowstone National Park, you'll find Gibbon Falls, a picturesque waterfall. The Gibbon River, which originates in the Norris Geyser Basin, feeds the 84-foot cascading white falls. The short, 0.5-mile Gibbon Falls Wildlife Trail offers several vantage points to enjoy the view, making it a popular destination for visitors.
5. Lewis Falls
Image from Flickr by Yellowstone National Park
Location: Southern entrance
Accessed by: Short walk
Lewis Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the southernmost section of Yellowstone’s lower loop. The falls drop 30 feet, and the water cascades over volcanic rocks, creating a beautiful display of mist and spray. The waterfall bears the name of Meriwether Lewis, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Visitors can access the falls by walking just a short distance from the roadside pullover.
6. Tower Falls
Image from Flickr by Zechariah Judy
Location: Northeast of the Northern Loop
Accessed by: Short walk
In the northeast corner of Yellowstone, just 1.5 miles south of Tower Junction, lies Tower Falls. The falls drop 132 feet, rushing from the cliffside and creating a spray that is visible from far away. Lava pinnacles and lush greenery surround the falls and create a fantastic photo op. A visit to Tower Fall is an absolute must when exploring the wonders of Yellowstone.
7. Mystic Falls
Image from Flickr by Allan Harris
Location: Southwest of the Southern Loop, Biscuit Basin,
Accessed by: Short hike
Mystic Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall situated in the Biscuit Basin area of Yellowstone National Park. The falls are 70 feet tall and fed by the Little Firehole River. Visitors can reach the falls by taking the Mystic Falls Trail, a 0.5-mile moderate hike starting from the end of the biscuit basin that offers stunning views of the surrounding geothermal features.
The trail also passes through lush green forests and meadows, providing a scenic and peaceful hiking experience. Mystic Falls is a popular destination for visitors to Yellowstone and is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and hikers.
8. Undine Falls
Image from Flickr by Yellowstone National Park
Location: Northeast of the Northern Loop
Accessed by: Roadside
Undine Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the northwestern part of Yellowstone National Park, just 4 miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs. The falls drop 60 feet and are fed by Lava Creek. Colorful wildflowers dot the surrounding area, making it a beautiful place to visit in spring.
Visitors can enjoy the view from a roadside overlook that offers spectacular views of the cascading water and the surrounding mountains. If you’d rather take a closer look, you can hike to Undine Falls via the Lava Creek Trail. Just note that the trail is 8 miles there and back–definitely doable in one day, but also a little bit of a challenge.
9. Wraith Falls
Image from Flickr by James St. John
Location: Northeast of the Northern Loop
Accessed by: Moderate hike
Just a minute's drive away from Undine Falls lies Wraith Falls, where you’ll see the Gardner River tumbling 80 feet down a basaltic rock wall. The waterfall is accessible via a short, easy hiking trail that winds through a scenic forested area. The name "Wraith" is believed to have come from the misty appearance of the waterfall, which creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
To access Wraith Falls, visitors can take the Wraith Falls Trail, which is a 1.6-mile out-and-back hike that begins at the parking lot near Lava Creek Campground, off the Grand Loop Road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower Junction.
10. Kepler Cascades
Image from Flickr by James St. John
Location: Southwest of the Southern Loop
Accessed by: Roadside
Kepler Cascades is a stunning waterfall that drops 150 feet and can be found along the southwestern side of the Lower Loop. Visitors can easily view the cascades from a roadside pullout or by taking a short hike on the Kepler Cascades Trail. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the pullover also marks the start of the partially-paved Lonestar Trail, which leads to the backcountry Shoshone Geyser Basin.
11. Osprey Falls
Image from Flickr by Yellowstone National Park
Location: Northeast of the Northern Loop
Accessed by: Long hike
The 150 feet Osprey Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in the northern part of Yellowstone’s Gardner River. Visitors can access the falls by taking a challenging 8.6-mile round-trip hike on the Osprey Falls Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon and river.
Lush green forests and rocky terrain surround the waterfall, creating a stunning setting that nature lovers and hikers will find ideal. Osprey Falls is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in the park, so if you’re hoping for some solitude, this hike is for you.
12. Silver Cord Cascade
Image from Flickr by sf-dvs
Location: Center East, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Accessed by: Long hike
Silver Cord Cascade is a hidden gem located off of South Rim Drive in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The waterfall drops an impressive 1,200 feet and is considered to be one of the tallest waterfalls in the park. Visitors can access the falls by taking a challenging 7-mile round-trip hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The final two miles of this hike are particularly steep and challenging, so be sure you’re prepared.
13. Virginia Cascades
Image from Flickr by Daniel Farrell
Location: Center, Norris Canyon Road
Accessed by: Roadside
Virginia Cascades is a picturesque waterfall located in the middle of the park on Virginia Cascade Drive, a scenic one-way road just off of Norris Canyon Road. The wide, whitewater falls drop 60 feet from the Gibbon River and can be seen at several points along its scenic drive. The waterfall is a popular spot for photographers, with its misty appearance and unique rock formations providing a perfect photo opportunity.
14. Rustic Falls
Image from Flickr by Yellowstone National Park
Location: Northeast of the Northern Loop
Accessed by: Roadside
Rustic Falls is located in the northwestern section of Yellowstone National Park, right by the Golden Gate Viaduct and less than 5 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs. Glen Creek spreads and flows delicately down a wall of Huckleberry Tuff in a lacy fanning pattern.
Though it is a smaller fall, only about 20 feet, its pullover is easily accessible, and the numbers really don’t do it justice. The combination of funneling winds, golden canyon walls, and trickling waters is more than worth the quick stopover.
15. Firehole Falls
Image from Flickr by Nick Varvel
Location: Center west of the Southern Loop
Accessed by: Roadside
The Firehole River rushes and splashes its way down basaltic lava flows along Firehole Falls. The 40-foot cascades can be seen from a roadside stop on Firehole Canyon Road. Swimming at the falls is not permitted for tourists; however, there are areas in the stream where you can swim. Be warned that the current can be rather strong in some sections, especially after strong rains. As always, check with the park before swimming, as unexpected closures are common.
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16. Lost Falls
Image from Flickr by Allan Harris
Location: Northeast of the Northern Loop
Accessed by: Short hike
Lost Falls really is lost to most visitors. The 40 foot Lost Creek waterfall is tucked away behind the Roosevelt Lodge, just a short, 0.4 mile hike into the woods. To find the sign, you’ll need to circle to the back of the lodge. This waterfall is ideal for groups that enjoy hiking but may have children or people who are unable to walk for long periods of time.
17. Crystal Falls
Aerial view of Upper, Lower, and Crystal Falls / Yellowstone National Park
Location: Center East, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone,
Accessed by: Moderate hike
With all the fuss about the Upper and Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, it’s easy to skip on by this fall and never know you missed it. We think Crystal Falls, however, is more than worth the stop. To get there, you’ll start at the parking lot on the brink of the Upper Falls trail, you’ll need to walk towards the Rim Trail. You’ll then see a short unmarked trail leading to Crystal Falls overlook.
18. Moose Falls
Image from Flickr by Yellowstone National Park
Location: Southern entrance
Accessed by: Short hike
Upon entering through the south entrance, one of the first stops visitors will make is at Moose Falls, which is a stunning waterfall dropping 30 feet supplied by the Lewis River. A short 0.3-mile round-trip hike from the parking lot leads visitors to the falls, where they can take in breathtaking views of the cascading water and the surrounding forest. This fall is notable for being a misty, geothermally heated fall that provides a warm place for aquatic animals such as crawfish. Swimming is not allowed.
19. Cave Falls
Image from Flickr by Mystery in the mail
Location: Far southeast, near Ashton, ID
Accessed by: Short walk
Cave Falls is a picturesque waterfall that’s quite a ways off the beaten path, over by its western boundary. The waterfall is only 20 feet high, but it is the widest of all of Yellowstone's falls, measuring 250 feet! The block-type waterfall is situated near the Bechler Ranger Station and is best accessed by the West Entrance.
From Ashton, ID, you’ll follow State Rt. 47 east 5.3 miles to the Yellowstone National Park/Cave Falls sign (to Ashton Flagg Road). From there, you should be able to follow the rest of the park's signs easily. Once you arrive at the parking lot, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the falls.
Don’t stop at the first one you see; the main falls are behind the smaller, unnamed falls. Be aware that the park service must clear snow from Ashton Flagg Road each spring before it can be driveable. Be sure to check the road conditions before heading out.
20. Union Falls
Par Metrodyne — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 3.0,
Location: Far southeast, near Ashton, ID
Accessed by: Backcountry hike
As with Cave Falls, this waterfall takes a little more effort to get to.
The most common access to this fall can be found on the Ashton-Flagg Ranch (Grassy Lake) Road. There are several trailheads that access Union Falls, but we recommend the Grassy Falls Trailhead.
Please be aware that this trail is 15 miles there-and-back and includes some mild scrambling and fording a river. Since this drive takes you close to Cave Falls, you may want to consider combining the two. The effort to reach Union Falls is more than worth it, though, as this is one of the tallest (260 feet!) and most spectacular falls in the park.
Map of the Best Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park
Parting Words
Please keep in mind that waterfalls are very slippery, and the rocks surrounding them can be treacherous. Don’t climb, run, or walk across areas that have been wet by the falls. After all, the last thing you want near the fall is a fall.
And there you have it! The 20 best falls that Yellowstone has to offer. If you’d like some help planning your trip, be sure to check out our itinerary.
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