Cave Falls of Yellowstone
Ashton, Idaho
| GPS: |
44°8'34.1"N 110°59'55.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
National Park
Camp and Hike
Cave Falls is one of Yellowstone National Park's most distinctive waterfalls — not for its height, but for its sheer breadth. Spanning some 250 feet across (nearly the length of a football field) while dropping only about 20 feet, this wide curtain of whitewater on the Fall River is the widest waterfall in Yellowstone. Tucked into the park's remote southwest Bechler region near the Idaho-Wyoming border, it's a beautiful and refreshingly uncrowded corner of the park.
Best of all, Cave Falls is wonderfully easy to reach — the falls sit right at the end of the road, just steps from the parking area, making this a rare Yellowstone gem accessible to nearly everyone, families included. From the same spot, a short, scenic walk along the Fall and Bechler rivers leads to lovely Bechler Falls, an easy add-on for a little more adventure.
The area is the gateway to Yellowstone's waterfall-rich Cascade Corner. Right at the falls, the Cave Falls Campground (in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest) offers riverside sites with fire rings and picnic tables plus excellent fishing on the Fall River, while the Bechler Ranger Station — the only entrance to this corner of Yellowstone — sits a couple of miles away.
To get there, drive east from Ashton, Idaho on ID-47 and then Cave Falls Road for roughly 24 miles (the last dozen on gravel). Summer through early fall is the season, once the gravel road is clear of snow. This is bear country, so carry bear spray and store food properly, and as always, pack out everything you bring in. Easy, scenic, and off the beaten path, Cave Falls is a perfect introduction to Yellowstone's wild Bechler country.
More Information
Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
This Yellowstone National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yellowstone National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yellowstone-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinCave Falls, Yellowstone - World of Waterfalls
Find and Discover Recreation Sites and Trails in Caribou-Targhee National Forest
https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/waterfalls/yellowstone-cave-falls/Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Ashton, Idaho
- Head east on ID-47 N/Main St toward S 6th StContinue to follow ID-47 N(5.7 mi)
- Turn right onto E 1400 N/Cave Falls RdContinue to follow Cave Falls RdEntering Wyoming(19.1 mi)
- Turn right (440 ft)
- Continue straightDestination will be on the right(230 ft)
From Highway 20 at Ashton, ID, go through the town heading east on State Highway 47 for 5.7 miles. Turn right onto E 1400 N/Cave Falls Rd and drive for 17.6 miles. Approximately 12 miles of this road is dirt.
Other Hiking Trails Nearby
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Backpack, Hike, Hot Springs, Swim 1.1 mi
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Mesa Falls
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Hike
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Bear Gulch
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Camp
