Firehole Falls: 40-foot Cascade in Yellowstone's Firehole Canyon

Firehole Falls cascades through rugged canyon walls along the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park.

A 40-foot cascade spills over pale rhyolite along Firehole Canyon, throwing mist across the roadside. The river’s steady cutting through volcanic rock has carved the canyon; geothermally heated water upstream and the hard rhyolite shape the scene from the road.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 44.6308, -110.8636
Accessibility: Drive-up roadside viewing; paved; easy from parking

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Cascades of the Firehole; Firehole River Swimming Area; Madison Junction; West Yellowstone; Old Faithful
Nearby Facilities: Madison Junction; West Yellowstone; Old Faithful
Best Time To Visit: Firehole Canyon Drive is seasonal, generally open from late spring through October, weather permitting. For photography and solitude, plan for early morning or late afternoon when light is softer and crowds are lighter.
Tips Advice: Park at the small lot or pull-offs; parking can fill during peak season.
Stand across from the falls for a clean, instant geology view.
If you want alternative angles, explore trails near the river from the pull-offs with caution.
Dress for slick rocks and keep a safe distance from the canyon edge.
Insider Tips: Experiment with angles from river pull-offs to capture the falls from different viewpoints.
Shoulder seasons reduce crowds while keeping good light.
The spray can wet lenses—bring a microfiber and extra ND filters if you shoot long exposures.

More details

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Vault toilets; easy access from pull-offs; beware of edge and slippery rocks near water
Recent Updates: No recent updates.
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 7200
Distance From Entrance: Not applicable; roadside viewing along Firehole Canyon Drive.
Accessibility Level: Drive-up view, roadside pull-off; easy access from parking.
How To Get There: From Madison Junction, take Firehole Canyon Drive; follow the one-way loop; pull-offs directly across from the falls provide viewing.
Parking Availability: Small lot; additional pull-offs along Firehole Canyon Drive; fills up in peak season.
Road Type: Paved
Seasonal Access: Open late May/early June through October; weather permitting.
Entry Fees: Varies
Main Features: 40 ft cascade; rhyolite canyon walls; Firehole River; geothermally heated downstream water
What Youll See: Rhyolite canyon walls, a 40 ft waterfall, mist at the base, and a roadside viewpoint across from the falls.
Unique Characteristics: Rhyolite bedrock from Yellowstone volcanism; a historic fish-migration barrier; geothermal influence on downstream river water.
Safety Considerations: Gravity risk near the canyon edge; wet, slippery rocks near water; upstream geothermally heated water; no barriers at the immediate viewpoint; sturdy footwear if exploring river trails.
Best Viewpoints: Across from the falls at the roadside pull-off.
Photo Opportunities: Golden-hour lighting from pull-offs; base mist for dramatic compositions; canyon walls as a backdrop.
Photography Spots: Opposite the falls from the roadside pull-off; downstream pull-off angles; golden-hour backdrops.
Stargazing Quality: Not documented
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Not documented
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Cell service along Firehole Canyon Drive is limited or nonexistent; the turnout near the falls has no reliable signal.
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: No formal falls-specific trails; pull-off viewpoints from Firehole Canyon Drive may offer alternate angles.
Connecting Trails: Firehole Canyon Drive viewpoints; coupled pull-offs along the river
Nearby Services: Madison Junction; West Yellowstone; Old Faithful
Common Wildlife: Bison, elk, bald eagles
Best Wildlife Times: Wildlife can be seen along the drive and near the river.
Wildflower Peak: Not documented
Fall Colors Peak: Not documented
Geological Formation Type: Rhyolite canyon with cascade
Scientific Interest: Yellowstone volcanic and hydrothermal system; visible rhyolite bedrock; erosional interplay and fish-migration barrier
Road Opening Dates: Late May/early June through October
Snow Lingering: Not documented
Winter Access: Not documented
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon; shoulder seasons help reduce crowds.
Best Season: Shoulder seasons (spring or fall)
Weather Patterns: Seasonal open window: late May/early June through October; conditions vary with weather.
Peak Fill Times: Not documented
Busiest Season: Summer months (June, July, August)
Waterfall Height: 40 ft (12 m)
Waterfall Flow Rate: Not documented
Fishing Species: Introduced trout species in upper Firehole River; renowned fishery
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 1
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Firehole Falls is a 40-foot cascade on the Firehole River, set in Firehole Canyon where 800-foot rhyolite walls rise on either side. The river here runs geothermally heated in places, shaping the local ecology. The falls are visible from a small turnout along Firehole Canyon Drive, with minimal hiking required from the parking area. Be mindful of slick rocks and wildlife; parking can be limited during peak times because the lot is small and the road is seasonal.

Location

Photos

Firehole Falls at Yellowstone National Park cascades through rugged rock walls with evergreen trees nearby.

Firehole Falls sign marking the waterfall along the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park, with green pines and rocky banks nearby.

Snow-covered trail and pine trees frame Firehole Falls in Yellowstone National Park during winter.

Firehole Falls in Yellowstone National Park, viewed through pine branches with a rushing river cascade.

Frequently asked questions

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

Parking can fill during peak season; arriving early reduces the chance you’ll circle for a spot and helps you secure a clean view across from the falls.

Is it worth a quick roadside stop if I’m short on time?

Yes. It’s a brief, geology-rich moment—a 40 ft cascade over rhyolite with a view that makes a strong case for Yellowstone’s volcanic+erosional story.

Can I see wildlife along the Firehole Canyon Drive?

Yes. Wildlife such as bison, elk, and bald eagles can be seen along the drive and near the river; stay at a safe distance and don’t approach animals.

Is the water warm because of geothermal activity?

Upstream water is geothermally heated, but downstream swimming areas are cool; the falls themselves are a freshwater cascade and not a hot-water feature.

Are interpretive signs available at Firehole Falls?

Signage specific to Firehole Falls isn’t readily available; use the roadside context to connect the geology and ecology of the Firehole River.