Tower Fall

About This Attraction

132-foot plunge spills over dark basalt, viewed from a paved overlook adjacent to the Tower General Store. Hexagonal basalt columns rise along the cliff, a relic of ancient lava flows, while Tower Creek hangs slightly above the Yellowstone River, evidence of differential erosion. The falls began where a tougher brink rock met softer downstream rock, and erosion outpaced downcutting enough to create this cascading leap. This scene echoes Yellowstone’s volcanic past, a story Moran helped immo...

Quick Facts

Main Features

132-foot plunge waterfall; basalt and rhyolite bedrock; hexagonal columnar basalt; overlook

What You'll See

132-foot cascade; hexagonal basalt columns; Tower Creek meeting the Yellowstone River; overlook with railing; interpretive signs explaining geology; nearby petrified trees

What Makes It Special

Tower-like rock formations and hexagonal basalt columns from cooling lava; proximity to Moran’s landscape painting linked to Yellowstone’s park origins

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall is the core visiting window, with the Grand Loop road typically open from mid-May to late October depending on snow. The river swells during snowmelt, increasing the waterfall's visual impact. Morning light is softer; late-afternoon sun can illuminate the canyon walls, though direct sun on the falls can create glare. July and August bring the highest visitor numbers, so expect crowds and limited parking. In winter, access is limited to days with conditions suitable for non-snowshoe travel.