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

+2 more

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Drive-up view, roadside pull-off; easy access from parking.

Best Season

Shoulder seasons (spring or fall)

Busiest Season

Summer months (June, July, August)

Features

40 ft cascade; rhyolite canyon walls; Firehole River; geothermally heated downstream water

Elevation

7,200 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

7,200 ft

Access

Drive-up view, roadside pull-off; easy access from parking.

Main Features

40 ft cascade; rhyolite canyon walls; Firehole River; geothermally heated downstream water

What You'll See

Rhyolite canyon walls, a 40 ft waterfall, mist at the base, and a roadside viewpoint across from the falls.

What Makes It Special

Rhyolite bedrock from Yellowstone volcanism; a historic fish-migration barrier; geothermal influence on downstream river water.

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.

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.

Visitor Tips

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.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 7,200 ft

Distance from Entrance: Not applicable; roadside viewing along Firehole Canyon Drive.

GPS: 44.6308, -110.8636

What Makes It Unique:

Rhyolite bedrock from Yellowstone volcanism; a historic fish-migration barrier; geothermal influence on downstream river water.

Water Feature Details

Height: 40 ft (12 m)

Size: Not applicable

Flow/Best Viewing: Not documented

Fish Species: Introduced trout species in upper Firehole River; renowned fishery

Geology

Formation Type: Rhyolite canyon with cascade

Scientific Interest:

Yellowstone volcanic and hydrothermal system; visible rhyolite bedrock; erosional interplay and fish-migration barrier

Getting There

Directions:

From Madison Junction, take Firehole Canyon Drive; follow the one-way loop; pull-offs directly across from the falls provide viewing.

Access Type: Drive-up view, roadside pull-off; easy access from parking.

Road: Paved

Seasonal Access: Open late May/early June through October; weather permitting.

Parking: Small lot; additional pull-offs along Firehole Canyon Drive; fills up in peak season.

Entry Fees: Varies

Trails

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

Photography & Viewing

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.

Best Photo Spots:

Opposite the falls from the roadside pull-off; downstream pull-off angles; golden-hour backdrops.

Sunrise/Sunset: Not documented

Stargazing: Not documented

Facilities

Restrooms (Vault toilets)

Cell Service: Cell service along Firehole Canyon Drive is limited or nonexistent; the turnout near the falls has no reliable signal.

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Bison, elk, bald eagles

Best Wildlife Viewing: Wildlife can be seen along the drive and near the river.

Wildflower Peak: Not documented

Fall Colors Peak: Not documented

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Shoulder seasons (spring or fall)

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon; shoulder seasons help reduce crowds.

Road Opens: Late May/early June through October

Busiest: Summer months (June, July, August)

Parking Fills: Not documented

Snow Until: Not documented

Winter Access: Not documented

Weather:

Seasonal open window: late May/early June through October; conditions vary with weather.

Activities

Fishing (Introduced trout species in upper Firehole River; renowned fishery)
Swimming Allowed

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Cascades of the Firehole; Firehole River Swimming Area; Madison Junction; West Yellowstone; Old Faithful

Nearby Services:

Madison Junction; West Yellowstone; Old Faithful

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.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Drive-up roadside viewing; paved; easy from parking

Family Friendly:

Vault toilets; easy access from pull-offs; beware of edge and slippery rocks near water

Nearby Facilities:

Madison Junction; West Yellowstone; Old Faithful

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.8 /5

Based on 55 Google reviews

Based on 55 guest reviews

" 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."

FAQs

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?

Can I see wildlife along the Firehole Canyon Drive?

Is the water warm because of geothermal activity?

Are interpretive signs available at Firehole Falls?

📖 grokipedia.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 kiddle.co 📖 world-of-waterfalls.com 📖 yellowstone.org 📖 thelonghornranch.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 wanderlog.com 📖 yellowstonepark.com 📖 annestravels.net 📖 wheree.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 usgs.gov 📖 10adventures.com 📖 sunshinewhispers.com 📖 yellowstonenationalparklodges.com 📖 usgs.gov 📖 57hours.com 📖 ebsco.com 📖 topographic-map.com 📖 grizzlyrv.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Firehole Falls

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Details

Location & Features

Water Feature Details

Geology

Getting There

Trails

Photography & Viewing

Facilities

Wildlife & Nature

Seasonal Information

Activities

Nearby

Insider Tips

Visitor Information

Location

Address & Directions

Proximity

Reviews

The YNPG Verdict

FAQs

Firehole Falls

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Fort Yellowstone Overlook

Firehole River

Slough Creek

Imperial Geyser

Inspiration Point

Upper Falls View

Eureka Ignite Plus Stove Review: Dual-Burner Group Camping Cooker

Primos Hunting Camera Mount: Wildlife Photography Review

Barska Gladiator 10-30×60 Review: Best Zoom for Park Valleys

Coleman Cascade Classic Review: Two-Burner Campground Stove

📚 Explore 1 Article About Firehole Falls