Chasing Wilderness #3: Waterfalls of Yellowstone

Nestled in the northwest corner of Wyoming and stretching out into Idaho and Montana lies Yellowstone National Park. Encompassing over 2.2 million acres, this immense wilderness contains thousands of thermal features, as well as the largest concentration of mammals in the continental United States. With over 1,000 miles of hiking trails leading to mountaintops, lakes, and waterfalls, Yellowstone truly is an outdoorsman's mecca. I would like to draw some attention to the mighty waterfalls of this wondrous place. Please enjoy this short list of must-see Yellowstone waterfalls!

Lower Yellowstone Falls

As far as natural beauty goes, Yellowstone has some stiff competition within its borders. But even among famous wonders like Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, it's tough to beat the sheer majesty of Lower Yellowstone Falls. At 308 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in the park. Its bragging rights do not end there however, for it is also the largest volume waterfall in the Rocky Mountains of the US. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more elegant, picturesque spectacle of nature anywhere in the entire region. 

Osprey Falls

With a cascading drop of approximately 150 feet, this impressive waterfall is the perfect choice for a day hike in the Mammoth Hot Springs region of the park. The moderately strenuous 8.2 mile out-and-back excursion begins as an old jeep road but eventually becomes a spur trail that steeply descends 800 feet into Sheepeater Canyon. The trail then takes you towards the foot of the falls, and you'll be thankful you put in the time and energy to witness this amazing place.

Union Falls

Dropping 250 feet down to earth, this waterfall is the second tallest in the park. It is also arguably the most striking. Union Falls is located in Yellowstone's southwestern region, dubbed the 'Cascade Corner.' And with over 20 waterfalls residing here, it's easy to see why this area has such a moniker. Getting out here is a bit demanding, and not everyone is up to the 16 mile round-trip hike. Still, for those who like their waterfalls to be immense and captivating, Union Falls should not be overlooked.

Dunanda Falls

While Dunanda Falls is just as visually pleasing as many other waterfalls in the region, it also holds a very special natural phenomenon that sets it apart. Hot springs. Water being boiled from the underground caldera seeps down the adjacent hillsides. It mixes with the freezing cold water of the river, and voila! Natural hot springs at the base of a 110 foot cascading waterfall. What more do you want? It comes at a price though, in the form of a 17 mile round-trip hike. But considering that you'll likely have this unique oasis to yourself, it's unquestionably worth the trek.

Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls is one of the more popular destinations in Yellowstone. It is known for its uniquely thin, elegant appearance. Standing at an impressive 197 feet, it's also one of the park's tallest. This waterfall is also easily accessible, requiring only a 2.4 mile one-way hike to reach it. Expect the trail to be pretty busy during the summer, but don't let that dissuade you from experiencing this wonderful spot!

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most incredible places on the planet. It offers a seemingly endless amount of outdoor recreation. I hope you enjoyed this brief selection of the park's epic waterfalls. All photos featured here were taken by me. Thanks for reading!