Undine Falls

60-ft, three-plunge waterfall over a 700,000-year-old basalt flow

Insider tip

Look for basalt textures at the brink.

Insider tip

Bring traction cleats in snow; bear spray in season.

The light

Afternoon alpenglow potential; good for dusk photography

Heads up

Gravity hazards at cliffs; icy stairs in winter; bears present; main overlook is fenced; off-trail edges are unprotected

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.8
Waterfall6,592 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

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.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From the Lava Creek Picnic Area, use the Lava Creek Trail for the closer view or pull into the roadside pullout for the overlook; follow signs to Undine Falls from Mammoth area.
Distance From Entrance
Drive-up view from a roadside pullout; official overlook ~100 ft walk; Lava Creek Trail adds 0.4 miles one-way to the brink
Road Type
Paved main road to pullout; short, unpaved approach to the overlook
Parking Availability
Small parking area at roadside pullout; Lava Creek Picnic Area parking; lots fill during peak season
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills by peak season; expect overflow June–September
GPS Coordinates
44.9436930, -110.6404550

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Spring for higher flow from snowmelt; May–October is best for hiking; golden-hour light in the afternoon; evening light good for long exposures; avoid midday glare.
Best Visit Times
May–October; avoid midday glare; afternoon light ideal
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Afternoon alpenglow potential; good for dusk photography
Best Season
Spring to autumn; May–October
Busiest Season
Summer (June–September)
Seasonal Access
Year-round access with winter closures possible due to snow
Snow Lingering
Spring snowmelt lingers into late spring
Winter Access
Limited; winter closures possible; icy stairs require traction
Weather Patterns
Spring snowmelt drives flow; winter brings snow and icy surfaces; bears active season

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Waterfall
Main Features
Three-part, 60-foot waterfall over a 700,000-year-old basalt lava flow
What Youll See
Dark basalt cliff, three plunges, mist ribbons, and Lava Creek flowing past the brink toward a basin below
Unique Characteristics
Basalt from an ancient Lava Creek flow predates the Lava Creek Tuff eruption, providing an early window into Yellowstone's caldera history
Photo Opportunities
Golden-hour portraits from the overlook; long-exposure shots of the cascades; close-ups from the brink
Photography Spots
Overlook for standard shot; brink vantage for dramatic perspective; dusk exposures
Best Viewpoints
Main overlook from the roadside pullout; secondary viewpoints along Lava Creek Trail toward the brink
Common Wildlife
Bison, elk, marmots; bears in the area
Best Wildlife Times
Wildlife can be seen along the Lava Creek Trail; mornings and evenings tend to be best during spring through fall
Geological Formation Type
Basalt lava flow; three-plunge waterfall
Scientific Interest
Early basalt flow dating (700,000 years); pre-caldera history clues for Yellowstone

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
Yes
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Spotty
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Short overlook with unpaved paths; stairs on Lava Creek Trail; not fully paved
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view; short, unpaved approach; some stairs on the overlook; Lava Creek Trail is flat with a steep brink
Nearby Services
Lava Creek Picnic Area restrooms; parking; no explicit water at viewpoint
Nearby Facilities
Lava Creek Picnic Area restrooms; parking; water not guaranteed at viewpoint
Family Friendly Notes
Easy overlook; supervise children near edge; wildlife awareness is essential

Safety

Safety Considerations
Gravity hazards at cliffs; icy stairs in winter; bears present; main overlook is fenced; off-trail edges are unprotected

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Lava Creek Picnic Area, Lava Creek Trail, Wraith Falls nearby
Connecting Trails
Lava Creek Trail
Trailheads Here
Lava Creek Trail (to brink and overlook)

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Look for basalt textures at the brink.
  • Bring traction cleats in snow; bear spray in season.
  • Short walk from pullout; 0.4 miles to brink via Lava Creek Trail
Tips Advice
  • 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 details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park
Elevation Feet
6592
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Height
60 ft
Waterfall Flow Rate
Spring peak due to snowmelt; variable with season
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Undine Falls offers quick access to a basalt-driven cascade with a three-part descent. The geology is clear, and the overlook makes the flow feel intimate, but edge hazards require caution.

Location

Undine Falls along a forested canyon river in Yellowstone National Park.Undine Falls overlook in Yellowstone National Park framed by pine trees under a blue sky.Undine Falls cascades through a pine forest along rocky terrain in Yellowstone National Park.Undine Falls overlook in Yellowstone National Park offers a broad view across the Firehole River canyon from a stone rail overlook.

Frequently asked questions

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

Parking can fill during peak season; plan for early arrival or expect limited roadside spots.

Is it worth the 0.4-mile hike to the brink?

Yes. The closer view reveals all three plunges and the basalt texture up close.

Can I bring my dog to the Lava Creek area?

Leashed dogs are allowed on the Lava Creek Trail; keep a safe distance from wildlife and other visitors.

Will the overlook be icy in winter?

Yes. Stairs can be extremely icy; wear traction devices and proceed with caution.

Is there any water at the viewpoint or toilets nearby?

Potable water is not explicitly available at the overlook; use the vault toilets at the Lava Creek Picnic Area and carry your own water.

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.