Lewis Falls

30-foot cascade on the Lewis River; river erosion at work—drive-up view with a short overlook hike.

Insider tip

Morning light is best for photography.

Insider tip

Viewpoints include the main overlook, roadside pullout, and a riverbank path toward Grant Village for different angles.

The light

Alpenglow possible; good sunrise views from nearby vantage points

Heads up

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

When to come

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

Natural Attraction

Natural AttractionOPERATIONAL★ 4.7
Geological Formation0 ftNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

This is a quick scenic stop to view a 30-foot waterfall along the South Entrance Road. No permits or on-site facilities here; plan to visit a staffed center for services.

Located on the Lewis River in Yellowstone National Park, this cascade waterfall drops 30 feet.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
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.
Distance From Entrance
Varies
Road Type
Paved road with roadside pullouts; short trail to overlook
Parking Availability
Parking available on both sides of the Lewis River bridge; limited during peak seasons.
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills early in peak season; plan to arrive before 8am
GPS Coordinates
44°16′03″N 110°38′09″W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late spring through fall; mornings for photography, avoid midday glare; winter road closures limit vehicle access.
Best Visit Times
Mornings in late spring and early fall; avoid peak crowds
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow possible; good sunrise views from nearby vantage points
Best Season
Late spring through fall
Busiest Season
Summer months (July–August) and holiday weekends
Seasonal Access
Open year-round for vehicle access in spring through fall; winter road closure limits access.
Winter Access
Winter access limited; road closed to vehicles on the South Entrance Road
Weather Patterns
Variable; afternoon thunderstorms possible; check forecast
Fall Colors Peak
Late September to October

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
30-foot cascade; Lewis River flow from Shoshone Lake through Lewis Lake; multiple viewing points
What Youll 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.
Unique Characteristics
Notable riverine cascade in Yellowstone; accessible vantage points and proximity to Grant Village
Photo Opportunities
Morning light on whitewater; spray patterns on rocks; long exposure from the overlook
Photography Spots
Main overlook deck; roadside pullout; riverbank along the left bank; hillside viewpoint near Grant Village
Best Viewpoints
Roadside pullout; fenced overlook via the short trail; hillside viewpoint near Grant Village
Common Wildlife
Bald eagles, ospreys, moose, bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves
Best Wildlife Times
Fall dawn and dusk
Geological Formation Type
Cascade waterfall
Scientific Interest
Yellowstone's volcanic and erosional history; Hayden survey 1872; Indigenous sacred site; named after Meriwether Lewis; Frank Bradley
Stargazing Quality
Excellent under Yellowstone’s dark skies

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
No
Picnic Areas
Yes
Water Available
No
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.
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Main viewing areas are easily accessible; short overlook path; trails well-maintained
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view with a short overlook hike; main viewing areas are accessible.
Nearby Services
Lewis Lake Campground; Grant Village
Nearby Facilities
Lewis Lake Campground; Grant Village; picnic areas nearby
Family Friendly Notes
Exposed edges—supervise children; slick rocks near water; watch for wildlife

Safety

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

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Lewis Lake, Lewis Lake Campground, Lewis River Canyon; nearby waterfalls include Gibbon Falls, Undine Falls, Firehole Falls, Upper Falls, Lower Falls
Connecting Trails
Overlook path; riverbank walks; hillside routes toward Grant Village
Trailheads Here
Overlook trail from the fenced overlook; short path from the roadside pullout; riverbank walk toward Grant Village

Planning advice

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.
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park
Elevation Feet
0
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Height
30 feet (9.1 meters)
Fishing Nearby
Yes
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
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.

Location

Lewis Falls in Yellowstone National Park cascades over rocky ledges into a forested pool, with alpine trees lining the banks.Winding river through lush meadows and pine forest in Yellowstone National Park near Lewis Falls.Lewis Falls in Yellowstone National Park cascades through a snowbound evergreen forest.Lewis Falls at Yellowstone National Park overlooks a calm blue lake with steam vents along the rocky shore.Boardwalk curves over a steaming geothermal pool at Lewis Falls in Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently asked questions

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

Parking can be limited during peak seasons; arrive early or be prepared to use overflow areas and visit later in the morning.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Rainbow rim of a hot spring; colors arise from thermophiles in Yellowstone's volcanic system.

Yellowstone Lake

Caldera lake tilted by resurgent domes; hydrothermal vents dot the lakebed.

Lake Butte Overlook

Panoramic view of Yellowstone Lake from the caldera rim; distant Tetons on clear days.

Artist Point

Lower Falls overlook; canyon walls colored by hydrothermal alteration of rhyolite.

Gibbon River

84 ft Gibbon Falls; river through hydrothermal basins along Grand Loop Road.

Gibbon Falls

84-foot cascade over an ancient Yellowstone lava flow; drive-up overlook with a wheelchair-friendly path.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.