Firehole Falls and Cascades

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Details

Distance

2.21 miles

Elevation Gain

341 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Josiah Roe

An epic 40 foot waterfall carved through the lavaflows creating the western wall of the Yellowstone Caldera.

The Yellowstone Supervolcano is one of the most active geothermal areas on earth with more hot springs than anywhere else on the planet. The walls of the massive caldera of often hidden under snow and forest, but in places like Firehole Canyon you can see the Firehole River cut through massive lava flows.

The Falls themselves can be found along Firehole Canyon Road about 16 miles east of West Yellowstone. There are several parking areas and use trails to viewpoints over the Falls. Farther upstream there is an excellent swimming area.

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Features

Photography

Chillin

Hiking

Easy Parking

Forest

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River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Waterfalls

Firehole Falls and Cascades Reviews

PRO

Jackie Vaughn

PRO

Explorer

Firehole Falls and Cascades

06/27/25

Beautiful river and falls. Just steps away from parking.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Swim in the Firehole River

The Firehole River Swimming Hole is on the southern portion of Firehole Canyon Rd inside the park, near the West Entrance to Yellowstone. The road is a one way loop from north to south. There are restrooms at the parking area, which can become quite crowded on a warm day. Parking is immediately above the swimming hole. The main pool is large and mostly shallow. The water is quite warm, in the ...

Fly Fish the Firehole River

The Firehole River is one of the most unique trout-fishing rivers in the world, behaving in a manner unlike any other river in the Rockies due to the unique geothermal features found all along the length of the river. It is not known as a big-fish river but they are plentiful, with sizes averaging 8" to 12" and Brown and Rainbow Trout in good numbers, and Brook Trout in the headwaters. Cutthroa...

Gibbon Falls

Gibbon Falls is a stunning, 84-foot waterfall in Yellowstone National Park. The falls are located just off the side of the Yellowstone Grand Loop Road, between Madison Junction and Norris Junction, making it a great place to stop and stretch your legs. There is a pullout with easy parking and information boards, as well as a short walkway along the canyon rim. Most people crowd around the sto...

Sentinel Meadows to Fairy Falls and Imperial Geyser

This hike starts on a long, straight, wide and flat path due south from the trailhead. After about a half a mile, you will come to the "Ojo Caliente" spring and a bridge crossing the Firehole River. If you go down below either side of the bridge, you'll see dozens of bird's nests. Right after the bridge, take a right, and follow this mostly flat trail around a few hills and into spacious vie...

Explore the Beryl Spring

Beryl Spring, so named for its aquamarine-like color, is one of the hottest springs in all of Yellowstone and is an easy stop off the Grand Loop Road about 17 miles west of Canyon Village. There is a large parking area and a elevated walkway providing viewing access. Under no circumstances should you touch the water which is extreme hot and dangerous. An excellent time to visit is on those occa...

Artist's Paint Pots

From the parking lot, follow the boardwalk pathway until you reach the springs. The hike itself is pretty self explanatory. It is a very easy hike and very short. We did this hike to break up some of the driving through Yellowstone. The hike loops around the springs and comes back to the parking lot. The milky blue pools are caused by the silica that is suspended in the water and gives this pla...

Firehole Falls and Cascades

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Firehole Falls and Cascades Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Swim in the Firehole River

Fly Fish the Firehole River

Gibbon Falls

Sentinel Meadows to Fairy Falls and Imperial Geyser

Explore the Beryl Spring

Artist's Paint Pots

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