Natural AttractionFort Yellowstone Overlook
Travertine terraces from Mammoth Hot Springs; calcium carbonate deposition in action.
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Undine Falls
Last Updated: January 2026
Type
Waterfall
Accessibility
Drive-up view; short, unpaved approach; some stairs on the overlook; Lava Creek Trail is flat with a steep brink
Best Season
Spring to autumn; MayβOctober
Busiest Season
Summer (JuneβSeptember)
Features
Three-part, 60-foot waterfall over a 700,000-year-old basalt lava flow
Elevation
6,592 ft
Overview
About This Attraction
Dark basalt frames a three-part cascade, with spray sweeping the overlook as water plunges about 60 feet. From the roadside pullout, a short 100-foot walk reveals the bold drop, while the Lava Creek Trail offers closer perspectives along the brink (0.4 miles one-way). This falls sits on a 700,000-year-old basalt layer, older than the Lava Creek Tuff eruption that reshaped the Yellowstone story. A longer hike from the Lava Creek Picnic Area reaches the brink for a more visceral view.
Quick Facts
Type
Waterfall
Elevation
6,592 ft
Access
Drive-up view; short, unpaved approach; some stairs on the overlook; Lava Creek Trail is flat with a steep brink
Main Features
Three-part, 60-foot waterfall over a 700,000-year-old basalt lava flow
What You'll See
Dark basalt cliff, three plunges, mist ribbons, and Lava Creek flowing past the brink toward a basin below
What Makes It Special
Basalt from an ancient Lava Creek flow predates the Lava Creek Tuff eruption, providing an early window into Yellowstone's caldera history
Best Time to Visit
Spring for higher flow from snowmelt; MayβOctober is best for hiking; golden-hour light in the afternoon; evening light good for long exposures; avoid midday glare.
Safety Considerations
Gravity hazards at cliffs; icy stairs in winter; bears present; main overlook is fenced; off-trail edges are unprotected
Visitor Tips
- Drive-up view via roadside pullout; small parking area; peak-season parking can fill early.
- Lava Creek Trail to the brink adds ~0.4 miles one-way (0.8 miles round trip).
- Winter: overlook stairs can be icy; wear traction cleats.
- Bear spray and distance from wildlife are prudent; stay on designated paths.
- Carry water; no explicit potable water at the viewpoint.
More at Yellowstone National Park
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Recommended Gear for Yellowstone National Park
βΉοΈ Data Sources
National Park Service β Yellowstone National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) world-of-waterfalls.com yellowstone.net chaoscaravan.com npshistory.com youtube.com yellowstoneparknet.com wildernesswalks.net yellowstonedestination.com 10adventures.com wanderlog.com utahsadventurefamily.com annestravels.net reddit.com wikipedia.org hankconrad.com Google Reviews YourNPGuide Editorial
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