6 Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park has unlimited opportunities to experience God’s creation. Around every corner lies another great view or wildlife encounter.

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Designated as our first national park, Yellowstone holds treasures that visitors are unable to see anywhere else in the lower 48 states. Here you can experience the highest concentration of thermal features in the world and a chance to see rarely observed animal species such as the Grizzly Bear and Wolf.

But did you know that Yellowstone is also loaded with waterfalls? These Yellowstone gems can often get lost in our hustle to see all the “tourist” sites in the park, but I encourage you to slow down and take a side trip to see some these lesser known features of the park.

Let’s take a look at 6 of the easier to get to waterfalls that you can explore during your visit to Yellowstone National Park.

#1 Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

The most famous and popular waterfall in Yellowstone is the Upper and Lower Falls located in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. These two falls can be found behind Canyon Village and have a few options for great views the falls.

First you can take one of the two scenic drives along the rim. The North Rim Drive has three popular vistas that I would recommend. Start with the brink of the falls viewing area, then make stops at Lookout Point and Grand View. Finish the drive by stopping at the spectacular Inspiration Point.

The South Rim Drive is the second way to see the Falls. Stops along this route include the Upper Falls View and my favorite stop, Artist Point at the end of the drive. The parking area for Artist Point is large but due to its popularity parking may be limited.

Finally it is possible to hike along the side of either rim. Both trails follow the edge of the canyon and provide additional views of the falls. The trails are relatively easy with some stairs but most people should be able to navigate them easily.

#2 Firehole Falls

Located on the westside of the park and just south of Madison Junction is Firehole Drive. This one way drive parallels the Firehole River. At the mid point of this short drive is a parking area (on left) and an awesome view of the Firehole Falls. Plunging 40 feet to the river below this is a great place for some awesome photos.

#3 Virginia Cascades

Virginia Cascades is located located between Madison Junction and Canyon Village. Look for the one way drive on the south side of the road. The road is narrow and RV’s and other large vehicles are prohibited. The drive is nice but the viewpoints of the falls are limited. In addition the cascades are located a fair distance from the road so keep a keen eye or you may miss it. Virginia Cascades is cool and worth a peek but of the 6 falls listed in this blog it is the hardest to see and has the worst parking options.

#4 Gibbon Falls

Gibbon Falls is located on the Gibbon River and is identified as a Horsetail/Fan type falls. Besides its obvious beauty, this waterfall is unique due to its location. Here the river plunges 84 feet and is located on the cauldron of an ancient super volcano which makes Yellowstone unique. The cauldron is hard to distinguish while traveling the park but at this stop the cauldron become obvious to the observer. It is a little sobering to realize that you are actually standing inside a super volcano and it could blow at any time. Gibbons falls is conveniently located east of Madison Junction and north of a major thermal basin. Due to its popularity there is a large parking area next with restrooms and a paved 1/2 mile walk that provides several to views the falls.

#5 Cave Falls

This is the most isolated falls on our list. Located in the SW corner of Yellowstone National Park the drive to these falls is an adventure in itself. These falls are way out in the wilderness and the road can be little rough. However, if you take your time most vehicles can make the drive. Just beware of weather conditions as the road can hold snow in June.

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Upon entering the national park the road dead ends into a small parking area with a restroom, information board and a self pay station. From the parking area look for the trailhead to the falls. The hike to Bechler Falls is mostly flat and follows the Bechler River. Bechler Falls is not overly impressive in size but it location in the backcountry is beautiful and worth the short walk. On your return trip the trail will lead you past the parking area and to view point of Cave falls.

Cave falls is only 20 feet tall but it is the widest waterfall in Yellowstone, spanning 250 feet. If you would rather not make the hike to Bechler Falls, Cave Falls is only 200 yards from the parking area and can been reached quickly and easily. But due to the length of time it takes to drive here I would highly recommend seeing both and exploring more!

#6 Mystic Falls

Probably my favorite waterfall on this list is Mystic Falls. Located behind the Biscuit Basin thermal area you will find the Trailhead to Mystic Falls. In order to reach these falls you will need to hike 3 miles (Round Trip).

The trail is moderate and has a gradual elevation gain but well worth it. On the way to the falls you will experience a few different ecosystems including a thermal basin, a new growth forest (thanks to the 1988 fires), and a beautiful stream. This short walk is filled of native wildflowers, creatures and great views.

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Once at the falls find a large rock and enjoy its beauty from a distance. If you are more adventurous continue along the edge of the canyon and river to the base of the falls. What makes this falls unique is that hot springs that are found seeping from the canyon wall. The orange streak in picture below is actually bacteria growing in the hot water escaping the bank before it enters the river. Beware these little springs can be very hot so be careful as to where you put your hands.

These are only a few of the many waterfall hikes in Yellowstone. Others that you may want to consider is Fairy Falls, Tower Falls and Osprey Falls but they will require much longer walks to reach.

Whether it is repeat visit or your first time in the park I would highly recommend losing track of time and explore the many waterfalls that Yellowstone National Park has to offer, you will be glad you did.

~Slow-LEE Hiking