Are there fees or permits required for Big Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Big Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Big Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Big Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 270 ft³/s · About average

Big Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Big Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Big Creek Falls.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Big Creek Falls, see below

Shoshone National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

my camera and me CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Trevor.Huxham CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

aaron_anderer CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Matt Lavin CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

aaron_anderer CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Big Creek Falls

Big Creek Falls tumbles through a forested gorge in Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Framed by lodgepole and mixed-conifer stands, the falls are reached via the Big Cr Trail (USFS Trail #761.5), and make a rewarding destination for hikers looking for a relatively short, scenic outing in a less-developed corner of the national forest. The most common approach is an out-and-back day hike of about 3.0 miles with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. Follow the signed Big Cr Trail into quiet woods to reach viewpoints of the cascade; the route is popular with local day-hikers and offers a peaceful, backcountry feel while still being managed and maintained by the Forest Service.

The Setting

Big Creek Falls sits at 9,754 feet within Shoshone National Forest, fed by the North Fork Shoshone River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Big Cr Trail (#761.5), a 3.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is minimally developed (Class 1).

USFS Trail

BIG CR TRAIL #761.5

Trail Class

Minimally Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

8.48 mi

Trail Description

Trail: BIG CR TRAIL (USFS Trail #761.5). Type: out-and-back. Distance: 3.0 miles (round trip as commonly hiked). Elevation gain: ~500 ft. Difficulty: Moderate. Surface: native material (natural tread). USFS trail class: 1 (foot trail). Typical grade: 12–20% on the steeper pitches. USFS GIS record lists 8.48 miles for the trail alignment; the frequently used route to the falls is a 3.0-mile hike with uneven, natural tread and short steep sections.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall flow is at its peak.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Shoshone National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

270 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

3.31 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

NORTH FORK SHOSHONE RIVER AT WAPITI, WY

USGS 06279940

11.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 700 sq mi

Altitude: 5,544 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NORTH FORK SHOSHONE RIVER AT WAPITI, WY (19 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

270 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

270 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

311 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

274 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

247 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

247 cfs

9/10

Sat

Moderate

257 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

274 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late 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 Cody hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 575 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 9,620 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 379 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 294 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Big Creek Falls near Cody, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Big Creek Falls near Cody, Wyoming, showing about 575 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 9,620 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 575 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Big Creek Falls is accessible via the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The trailhead is located near the town of Pinedale, Wyoming. Visitors should follow signs for the Big Sandy Trailhead, which provides access to the area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

9,754 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.582921° N, -109.599495° W

Land Management

Shoshone National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Bug spray is recommended during warmer months. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking.

This trail sits at 9,754 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

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.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.0 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

WAPITI CAMPGROUND

8.2 miles away · 40 sites

Reservable

Overview Wapiti Campground is located is located along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway about 30 miles west of Cody, in northwestern Wyoming. It is 22 miles east of the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking and viewing local wildlife.Recreation Great opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing are available around the campground. The North Fork of the Shoshone River is a po

Book on Recreation.gov