Bechler Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Bechler Falls
Bechler Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the southwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It is part of the Bechler River and is known for its serene beauty and accessibility.
The Setting
Bechler Falls sits at 6,342 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Dunanda Falls (150 ft) lies 6.8 miles to the north. Also nearby: Cave Falls (20 ft, 0.7 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Bechler Falls is a short and relatively flat hike along the Bechler River. It is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors, offering scenic views of the river and surrounding forest.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through a forested area leading to a small but beautiful waterfall. The area is less crowded compared to other parts of Yellowstone, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bechler Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on hiking trails, boardwalks or in the backcountry in Yellowstone; they must stay within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bechler Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Bechler Falls is late spring through early fall when the trail is accessible and the weather is pleasant.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should be aware of potential wildlife encounters, including bears. Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking. Check weather and trail conditions before visiting, as the area can be muddy or inaccessible during certain times of the year.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Snake River, 17.3 miles away, not on Bechler Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
266 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
2.40 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SNAKE RIVER AB JACKSON LAKE AT FLAGG RANCH WY (28 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
266 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
260 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
247 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
256 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
275 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
272 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
275 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Alta hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Bechler Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Bechler Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 27°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 266 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Wyoming.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The bare-earth surface loses about 67 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,336 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 29 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 14 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,336 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 67 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bechler Falls is accessed via the Bechler River Trail, which starts near the Bechler Ranger Station in the southwest region of Yellowstone National Park. The trailhead is located off Cave Falls Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the Bechler Ranger Station. Visitors should check for seasonal road conditions as Cave Falls Road may be closed during winter or after heavy rains.
Elevation
6,342 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.149091° N, -111.009940° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy, especially in spring. Bring insect repellent during summer months as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Check road conditions before visiting, as access roads may be closed during certain seasons.
This trail sits at 6,342 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 25% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Where to Stay
Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch
Teton Peaks Resort
Heart Six Ranch
Colter Bay Village
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Cave Falls Campground
1.4 miles away · 0 sites
This campgrond is situated on the banks of Fall River in Wyoming along the south border of Yellowstone National Park. Cave Falls Campground has 23 single site units and a terrific area for fishing. Each campsite has fire rings, grills and picnic tables. Located throughout the campground are vault toilets, water faucets, bear proof storage boxes, and a dumpster. The campground is located in grizzly bear habitat that requires special precautions be taken with food storage.
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Nearby Attractions
Cave Falls, Bechler Meadows, and other waterfalls in the Bechler region of Yellowstone National Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and birds. Visitors should carry bear spray and follow park guidelines for wildlife safety.
Cities near Bechler Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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