Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is blessed with a remarkable variety of waterfalls, each shaped by the park’s volcanic origins, river systems, and rugged topography. These waterfalls are among the park’s most beautiful and enduring landmarks, ranging from the thunderous Yellowstone River cascades to hidden backcountry treasures. Each one contributes to the unique character of the park, offering visitors both easily accessible viewpoints and remote, wilderness experiences.

Yellowstone National Park Waterfalls - Reference Table

This table provides a quick reference to some of the most notable waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park, including their height, associated river or creek, and accessibility details.

Waterfall Name	Height	River/Creek	Accessibility
Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River	109 ft	Yellowstone River	Viewpoints along South Rim, Uncle Tom’s Trail
Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River	308 ft	Yellowstone River	Artists Point, Lookout Point, Red Rock Point
Gibbon Falls	84 ft	Gibbon River	Roadside overlook between Norris and Madison
Tower Falls	132 ft	Tower Creek	Tower Fall Overlook
Firehole Falls	40 ft	Firehole River	Firehole Canyon Drive
Mystic Falls	70 ft	Little Firehole River	Hike from Biscuit Basin
Lewis Falls	30 ft	Lewis River	Roadside near South Entrance
Undine Falls	60 ft	Lava Creek	Roadside pullout near Mammoth
Kepler Cascades	150 ft (total, 50 ft main)	Firehole River	South of Old Faithful, roadside viewpoint
Union Falls	250 ft	Mountain Ash Creek	Remote, Bechler region hike
Crystal Falls	129 ft	Crystal Creek	South Rim Trail, near Uncle Tom’s Trail
Fairy Falls	200 ft	Fairy Creek	Trail from Midway Geyser Basin
Cave Falls	20 ft tall, 250 ft wide	Fall River	Park boundary with Idaho
Bechler Falls	15 ft	Bechler River	Cascade Corner, hike access
Rustic Falls	47 ft	Glen Creek	Roadside near Golden Gate Canyon
Wraith Falls	100 ft	Lupine Creek	Short trail from Grand Loop Road

1. Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River

The Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River drop 109 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, creating a dramatic display of power and beauty. Often overshadowed by the taller Lower Falls, the Upper Falls still captivate with their force and proximity. Visitors can enjoy excellent views from Uncle Tom’s Trail and the South Rim, where the roar of the falls reverberates through the canyon walls.

2. Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River

The Lower Falls are the most iconic waterfall in the park and one of the most photographed in the United States. At 308 feet, they are nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls, plunging into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Artists Point, Lookout Point, and Red Rock Point provide unforgettable perspectives of this thundering cascade, which embodies the grandeur of Yellowstone.

3. Gibbon Falls

Gibbon Falls, located along the road between Norris and Madison, features an 84-foot drop along the Gibbon River. The waterfall spills in a graceful arc over volcanic rock, framed by forests of lodgepole pine. A roadside overlook makes this waterfall easy to access, offering visitors a stunning stop on their journey through the park.

4. Tower Falls

Tower Falls is one of the most striking waterfalls in Yellowstone, plunging 132 feet into a narrow canyon. It is surrounded by towering volcanic rock spires that gave the waterfall its name. Accessible from Tower Fall Overlook, this cascade has long been admired by explorers, artists, and visitors drawn to its dramatic setting.

5. Firehole Falls

Located on the Firehole River, Firehole Falls drops 40 feet through a basalt canyon. The river’s geothermal origins give the water an unusual warmth, creating a unique habitat. The scenic Firehole Canyon Drive offers spectacular views of the falls, where the rushing water crashes through black volcanic rock.

6. Mystic Falls

Mystic Falls is a 70-foot cascade on the Little Firehole River, accessible via a moderate hike from Biscuit Basin. The trail passes through areas of geothermal activity before arriving at the secluded falls. The water tumbles over rugged cliffs in a tiered descent, creating an enchanting and almost mystical atmosphere.

7. Lewis Falls

Lewis Falls, found on the Lewis River near Lewis Lake, drops 30 feet in a picturesque forested setting. Easily visible from the park road, it is a favorite stop for travelers entering or leaving the park via the South Entrance. Though not as tall as others, its charm lies in its accessibility and tranquil surroundings.

8. Undine Falls

Undine Falls is a 60-foot, three-tiered waterfall located on Lava Creek near Mammoth Hot Springs. The falls are best viewed from a roadside pullout, where their multi-layered descent is framed by dark volcanic cliffs. They are particularly striking during spring runoff, when the volume of water is at its peak.

9. Kepler Cascades

Kepler Cascades are a series of waterfalls on the Firehole River that drop about 150 feet in total, with the main fall plunging 50 feet. Located just south of Old Faithful, they are easily accessible and named after Kepler Hoyt, the son of a Wyoming governor. Their proximity to major attractions makes them a popular stop.

10. Union Falls

Union Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Yellowstone, plunging 250 feet in a magnificent display. Its water splits into two veils that rejoin at the base, creating a “union” that inspired its name. Located in the remote Bechler region, Union Falls requires a challenging hike to reach, rewarding adventurers with one of the park’s most spectacular natural wonders.

11. Crystal Falls

Crystal Falls is a hidden 129-foot cascade located between the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. It flows down a narrow ravine and can be seen from the South Rim Trail near Uncle Tom’s Trail. Though less famous than its neighbors, Crystal Falls adds to the drama of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

12. Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls is a 200-foot waterfall that descends in a delicate sheet of water, one of the tallest in Yellowstone. The hike to Fairy Falls also provides excellent views of Grand Prismatic Spring, making it one of the most popular backcountry destinations in the park. Its beauty lies in both its height and its peaceful setting.

13. Cave Falls

Cave Falls, located on the Fall River along the park’s boundary with Idaho, is the widest waterfall in Yellowstone. Though only 20 feet tall, it stretches an impressive 250 feet across, creating a broad curtain of water. The falls are particularly dramatic during spring when snowmelt swells the river.

14. Bechler Falls

Bechler Falls, a 15-foot cascade on the Bechler River, is another gem of the Cascade Corner. Though small, it is part of a region renowned for waterfalls, with countless cascades dotting the surrounding wilderness. Its forested location makes it a serene and inviting stop for hikers.

15. Rustic Falls

Rustic Falls, located near Golden Gate Canyon, drops 47 feet over a bell-shaped cliff of basalt. Its mossy, graceful cascade is easily viewed from the roadside, making it one of the most accessible and charming waterfalls in the park.

16. Wraith Falls

Wraith Falls, on Lupine Creek, drops about 100 feet in a graceful cascade. A short, family-friendly trail leads to the overlook, where the waterfall can be partially seen through the trees. Its name reflects the ghostly, ethereal appearance the water creates as it slips down the cliff face.