Cave Falls, Yellowstone National Park: Widest Waterfall in Bechler

Cave Falls at Yellowstone National Park with cascading water, rocky shore, and tall pine trees along the river.

Silvery water spills across a 250-foot-wide curtain, dropping 20 feet into a churned pool below, framed by forest along the Bechler River. Viewpoints at the base and above the falls give two angles on the long, shallow drop. The Fall River has carved Cave Falls through ancient lava-flow terrain from the Yellowstone caldera, a clear display of water's persistent erosive power.

Access & viewing

Accessibility: Short, easy trails; unpaved road to access; bear country considerations

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Bechler Falls; Bechler River Trail system
Nearby Facilities: Vault toilets at trailhead; potable water at Cave Falls Campground
Best Time To Visit: Summer to early fall for best road conditions; morning light is good for the base view, late afternoon for the overlook; avoid midday glare and heavy rain that roughens the road.
Tips Advice: Bear spray is highly recommended in this bear country.
Wear sturdy footwear; wet rocks near the base can be slick.
Final approach is gravel; a higher-clearance vehicle helps.
Parking can fill; allow extra time and use both lots if needed.
Cell service is unreliable; download maps offline before you go.
Insider Tips: Check road conditions before going; the final stretch can be rough after rain.
If one parking area fills, circle to the other lot for the base or overlook.
Be prepared for limited cell reception and bear activity.
The morning base view and late-afternoon overlook offer different lighting, choose accordingly.

More details

Park Area: Bechler region, Yellowstone National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Short walks; keep children away from water edges; bear country requires vigilance
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 7000
Distance From Entrance: Remote Bechler region; final approach via unpaved gravel road; drive time varies
Accessibility Level: Drive-up view with short trails; easy base and overlook; unpaved final approach may challenge some vehicles
How To Get There: Drive to the Bechler area via Bechler River Road; follow signs to Cave Falls parking; choose upper lot for overlook or lower lot for base; short trails lead to viewpoints
Parking Availability: Two parking areas; upper lot for overlook, lower lot for base; parking can be limited, especially on peak days
Road Type: Gravel, unpaved final approach
Seasonal Access: Road rough in winter; typically accessible in summer and fall
Entry Fees: Park entrance fee applies; no separate Cave Falls viewing fee
Main Features: Widest waterfall in Yellowstone; 250 ft wide; 20 ft tall; Fall River; remote Bechler region; lava-flow terrain underlying
What Youll See: A broad 250 ft-wide curtain of water drops 20 ft into a swift pool; forested riverbanks frame the scene; two viewing points—base and overlook
Unique Characteristics: Bechler’s widest waterfall; remote Bechler region setting; erosion of ancient lava-flow terrain by the Fall River; dual viewing platforms
Safety Considerations: Beware of slippery rocks near the base; bears are common in this area—carry bear spray and make noise while hiking. The final gravel road can be rough after rain; stay off the edge and drive cautiously.
Best Viewpoints: Upper overlook above the falls; base along the riverbank
Photo Opportunities: Wide-angle captures of the curtain; spray halos in morning or late afternoon; long-exposure shots during calmer spray
Photography Spots: Base riverbank viewpoint; overlook above the falls; morning and late afternoon lighting
Stargazing Quality: Remote Bechler region with dark skies; good stargazing when skies are clear
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential; good light during sunrise and sunset from the overlook
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unreliable or non-existent
Water Available: 1
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Bechler River Trail junctions; base and overlook trail starts from parking areas
Connecting Trails: Bechler River Trail network linking to other Bechler waterfalls and backcountry routes
Nearby Services: Cave Falls Campground; vault toilets; potable water at campground
Common Wildlife: Ospreys nesting; bears in the area; frogs near the falls
Best Wildlife Times: Spring–early summer for birds; bears can be encountered year-round
Geological Formation Type: Lava-flow terrain underlying; canyon carved by erosion from the Fall River
Scientific Interest: Cave Falls is Yellowstone's widest waterfall. It forms when Fall River cascades over a basalt ledge created by ancient lava flows, and sits in the remote Bechler area of the park.
Road Opening Dates: Varies with snowmelt; typically open mid to late spring through fall
Snow Lingering: Spring snowpack can linger into late spring in some years, affecting road conditions; access is most reliable from summer through early fall.
Winter Access: Not accessible; snow and unplowed roads prevent access
Best Visit Times: Summer to early fall; avoid mid-winter closure
Best Season: Summer to early fall
Weather Patterns: Summer thunderstorms possible; road conditions deteriorate with rain; snow can linger into spring
Peak Fill Times: Parking can fill on weekends during peak season; arrive early
Busiest Season: Summer
Waterfall Height: 20 ft
Waterfall Flow Rate: Swift; higher during snowmelt
Fishing Species: No specific fishing species are documented for Cave Falls in the available materials.
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Cave Falls draws a small, dedicated crowd attracted by its remoteness and the breadth of the falls. Rating sits at 4.6 from 19 reviews, with visitors noting the easy access and the wilderness feel of Bechler. The combination of a wide curtain of water and a compact, user-friendly setup makes it a memorable stop in a quiet corner of Yellowstone.

Location

Photos

Cave Falls along a forested Yellowstone River with a multi-step cascade and a fallen log across the pool.

Cave Falls seen through dense evergreen trees along a forested overlook in Yellowstone National Park.

Cave Falls roars over jagged rocks while a hiker stands near the water’s edge in Yellowstone National Park.

Cave Falls waterfall along rocky cliffs in Yellowstone National Park, viewed from a rocky shoreline.

Cave Falls cascades over a cliff into a churning pool, framed by trees along a rocky overlook in Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Aim to go early in the day or consider the later afternoon window when crowds thin slightly.

Is it worth the 0.3 mile hike to the base/viewpoint?

Yes. The base offers a close-up perspective of a broad, 250 ft-wide cascade, and the overlook provides a different angle with forest and river framing the scene.

Can I bring my dog to the trail?

Dog access policies are not specified here; verify Yellowstone regulations before visiting and keep dogs on leash if allowed.

Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

The water appears white and swift, typical of a river with swift current and spray; color is influenced by lighting and water clarity rather than a blue pool.

Will I be able to access Cave Falls during winter?

Winter access is not listed as available; road conditions and snow typically render Bechler routes closed in winter months.