Are there fees or permits required for Cascade Acres?

No, there are no fees required to visit Cascade Acres.

Is swimming allowed at Cascade Acres?

No, swimming is not allowed at Cascade Acres.

Live Conditions · 242 ft³/s · About average

Cascade Acres

Q: Are dogs allowed at Cascade Acres?

No, dogs are not allowed at Cascade Acres.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Nicholas_T CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

About Cascade Acres

Cascade Acres is a quietly scenic spot tucked inside Yellowstone National Park and managed by the National Park Service. The setting is classic Yellowstone: forested slopes and a series of cascading streams and falls that create a peaceful, photogenic scene for hikers and nature lovers. Specific measurements for the waterfalls at Cascade Acres are not well-documented, which adds a sense of discovery for visitors who enjoy exploring less-crowded park reaches. Access to Cascade Acres is best planned as a short day outing. The route into the area is an out-and-back hike of moderate difficulty that rewards walkers with streamside views and the soothing sounds of falling water. Because this feature lies on NPS land, check Yellowstone National Park resources for seasonal access, trail conditions, and any park advisories before heading out.

The Setting

Cascade Acres sits at 6,965 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Snake River, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Union Falls (260 ft) lies 3.4 miles to the north. Also nearby: Cave Falls (20 ft, 7.0 mi).

Union Falls Cave Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 2.4 miles (round trip). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Official surface, grade, and trail class are not specified in the available NPS information for Cascade Acres; the listed distance and gain provide the best current guidance for route planning. Hikers should consult Yellowstone National Park trail updates for the latest conditions and any seasonal closures before starting this moderate 2.4-mile outing.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with cascading waterfalls surrounded by forested areas. The area may offer opportunities for photography, picnicking, and wildlife observation.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cascade Acres?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cascade Acres?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfalls are likely to have higher flow due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions.

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

Trails may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Visitors should stay on marked trails and be cautious near water. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 2 days ago Barely Flowing

242 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

181 226 367 460

Based on 42 years of record

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.

SNAKE RIVER AB JACKSON LAKE AT FLAGG RANCH WY

USGS 13010065

9.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 486 sq mi

Altitude: 6,802 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SNAKE RIVER AB JACKSON LAKE AT FLAGG RANCH WY (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

241 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

241 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

239 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

238 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

255 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

246 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

237 cfs

6/10

Fri

Low

243 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

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.

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 74 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,972 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 116 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 90 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Cascade Acres near Alta, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Cascade Acres near Alta, Wyoming, showing about 74 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 6,972 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 74 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; 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 southwest).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Cascade Acres is located in Wyoming, but specific directions to the site are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or contact nearby visitor centers for guidance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited parking options and consider arriving early during peak seasons.

Elevation

6,965 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.144931° N, -110.856326° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails may become slippery or inaccessible during rain or snow.

This trail sits at 6,965 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 28% 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

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

Cave Falls Campground

7.9 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.

Book on Recreation.gov