Skip to main content
LakeQuality

At 308 feet, the Lower Falls is the tallest of Yellowstone's falls; the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail switchbacks steeply ~0.4 mi to the very lip of the plunge.

Height
308 ft
Type
Plunge
Access
Short Hike
Trail
0.8 mi out-and-back
Elevation gain
271 ft
Best season
Late spring to early summer (peak runoff)
Land manager
National Park Service (Yellowstone National Park)
Watercourse
Yellowstone River

Before you go

Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check National Park Service (Yellowstone National Park) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.

Graded lakes within 25 miles

Where to stay near Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, Wyoming

Top-rated places to stay near Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, Wyoming

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Planning a trip to Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, Wyoming?

Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, Wyoming — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River drops about 308 feet. That makes it the 43rd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 94% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.

The Brink of the Lower Falls Trail reaches it about 0.8 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 271 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Canyon Village. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with National Park Service (Yellowstone National Park) for closures and current conditions.

Late spring to early summer (peak runoff). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.

More Wyoming waterfalls

Get trip conditions by email

Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.