Lewis Falls, Yellowstone National Park — 30-Foot Waterfall on the

Q: Is it worth the 10- to 15-minute hike to the overlook?

Yes. The short, easy route to the fenced overlook yields multiple angles and a broader sense of the falls and surrounding forest.

Q: Will my 65-year-old mother be able to walk to the viewpoint?

Yes. The main viewing areas are easily accessible and well-maintained for most fitness levels.

Q: Is there bear safety risk near the falls?

Bear spray is recommended in Yellowstone, and keep a safe distance from all wildlife; stay on designated paths and follow posted guidance.

Q: Are restrooms or potable water available nearby?

Restrooms aren’t specifically listed at the overlook; plan to use facilities at nearby Grant Village or picnic areas, and carry water as needed.

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Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Drive-up view with a short overlook hike; main viewing areas are accessible.

Best Season

Late spring through fall

Busiest Season

Summer months (July–August) and holiday weekends

Features

30-foot cascade; Lewis River flow from Shoshone Lake through Lewis Lake; multiple viewing points

Overview

About This Attraction

Silvery water tumbles 30 feet over rocky ledges, framed by pine and river mist. That sight is the river’s erosive work in action—Lewis Falls forms as the Lewis River gnaws at the landscape from Shoshone and Lewis Lakes. From the road, a roadside pullout and a fenced overlook offer multiple angles to read the landscape’s scale and flow.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Access

Drive-up view with a short overlook hike; main viewing areas are accessible.

Main Features

30-foot cascade; Lewis River flow from Shoshone Lake through Lewis Lake; multiple viewing points

What You'll See

The falls drop 30 feet over rocky ledges into a wide river channel; viewpoints from the road, pullout, and fenced overlook; forest backdrop and spray.

What Makes It Special

Notable riverine cascade in Yellowstone; accessible vantage points and proximity to Grant Village

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through fall; mornings for photography, avoid midday glare; winter road closures limit vehicle access.

Safety Considerations

Gravity hazards at edges; rocks can be slippery near water; stay on designated paths; bear spray recommended; maintain distance from wildlife

Visitor Tips

Morning light yields the best color and spray for photography.
Viewpoints include the road, roadside pullout, and a fenced overlook;
For alternate angles, hike a short distance along the riverbank toward Grant Village.
Bear spray is recommended in Yellowstone; wear sturdy shoes and layers.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Distance from Entrance: Varies

GPS: 44°16′03″N 110°38′09″W

What Makes It Unique:

Notable riverine cascade in Yellowstone; accessible vantage points and proximity to Grant Village

Water Feature Details

Height: 30 feet (9.1 meters)

Geology

Formation Type: Cascade waterfall

Scientific Interest:

Yellowstone's volcanic and erosional history; Hayden survey 1872; Indigenous sacred site; named after Meriwether Lewis; Frank Bradley

Getting There

Directions:

From the Grant Village area, drive to the Lewis River bridge. Use the roadside pullouts to view the falls; the fenced overlook is reached via a short trail; additional viewpoints can be found by moving up the riverbank or toward Grant Village.

Access Type: Drive-up view with a short overlook hike; main viewing areas are accessible.

Road: Paved road with roadside pullouts; short trail to overlook

Seasonal Access: Open year-round for vehicle access in spring through fall; winter road closure limits access.

Parking: Parking available on both sides of the Lewis River bridge; limited during peak seasons.

Entry Fees: Varies

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Overlook trail from the fenced overlook; short path from the roadside pullout; riverbank walk toward Grant Village

Connecting Trails:

Overlook path; riverbank walks; hillside routes toward Grant Village

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Roadside pullout; fenced overlook via the short trail; hillside viewpoint near Grant Village

Photo Opportunities:

Morning light on whitewater; spray patterns on rocks; long exposure from the overlook

Best Photo Spots:

Main overlook deck; roadside pullout; riverbank along the left bank; hillside viewpoint near Grant Village

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow possible; good sunrise views from nearby vantage points

Stargazing: Excellent under Yellowstone’s dark skies

Facilities

Picnic Areas
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Cell service is spotty around Lewis Falls; Yellowstone's network coverage can be unreliable in the Lewis River area. Bring offline maps, download essential information, and tell someone your plan before you go.

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Bald eagles, ospreys, moose, bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves

Best Wildlife Viewing: Fall dawn and dusk

Fall Colors Peak: Late September to October

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late spring through fall

Best Times: Mornings in late spring and early fall; avoid peak crowds

Busiest: Summer months (July–August) and holiday weekends

Parking Fills: Parking fills early in peak season; plan to arrive before 8am

Winter Access: Winter access limited; road closed to vehicles on the South Entrance Road

Weather:

Variable; afternoon thunderstorms possible; check forecast

Activities

Fishing

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Lewis Lake, Lewis Lake Campground, Lewis River Canyon; nearby waterfalls include Gibbon Falls, Undine Falls, Firehole Falls, Upper Falls, Lower Falls

Nearby Services:

Lewis Lake Campground; Grant Village

Insider Tips

Morning light is best for photography.
Viewpoints include the main overlook, roadside pullout, and a riverbank path toward Grant Village for different angles.
Bear spray is recommended; wear sturdy shoes and layers.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Main viewing areas are easily accessible; short overlook path; trails well-maintained

Family Friendly:

Exposed edges—supervise children; slick rocks near water; watch for wildlife

Nearby Facilities:

Lewis Lake Campground; Grant Village; picnic areas nearby

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.7 /5

Based on 575 Google reviews

Based on 575 guest reviews

" Visitors rate Lewis Falls highly for accessibility and viewing options; the 30-foot cascade is easy to reach from Grant Village with several angles to explore. Parking can be tight in peak season, so plan accordingly. Morning light and fall colors draw photographers and observers alike."

Reviews from Google

Beautiful falls, easily accessible for viewing and photos. Make sure to cross the road to take in the beautiful prairie with the steam running through it. It is as beautiful as the falls.

Beautiful waterfall here while visiting Yellowstone. Hike was relatively moderate and weather was good. Did not see alot of people on trail during our visit. Would highly recommend for those in the area and a bit less crowded than some of the other spots in Yellowstone.

Visited on May 26, 2024. These photos were taken around this area of Yellowstone National Park from the South entrance to Grant Visitor Center. Hard to believe the amount snow in the park on Memorial Day Weekend.

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