Are there fees or permits required for Cascade Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Cascade Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Cascade Falls.

Live Conditions · 139 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Cascade Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Cascade Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Cascade Falls.

Colorado

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 24 other waterfalls also named Cascade Falls, see below

Uncompahgre National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Larry Curtin CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Scott Sanford Photography CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

tonyfernandezz CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

StevenM_61 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls is a striking, easy-to-reach waterfall located near Ouray, Colorado, nestled within the Uncompahgre National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls tumble over a steep rock face and put out a refreshing mist that makes this short outing popular with photographers, families, and anyone looking for a quick nature stop. The route to the viewpoint follows the USFS-designated CASCADE PORTLAND TIE (Trail #6213.1B), so you’re hiking on National Forest land with the protections and access that entails. The hike itself is brief—about 0.4 miles out-and-back with roughly 100 feet of elevation gain—so it’s easy to combine with other nearby attractions or an overnight stay. Amphitheater Campground lies just 0.47 km away, offering a convenient place to camp if you want to turn the visit into a longer outing. Expect native rock-and-soil footing and a mix of cliffside and riparian scenery as you approach the base of the falls.

The Setting

Cascade Falls sits at 8,373 feet within Uncompahgre National Forest, fed by the Uncompahgre River, in the high alpine of Colorado.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Colorado at 365 feet, lies 9.4 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Cornet Falls (80 ft, 9.8 mi).

Bridal Veil Falls Cornet Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.4 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Cascade Portland Tie (#6213.1B), a 0.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 100 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

CASCADE PORTLAND TIE #6213.1B

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.08 mi

Trail Description

Out-and-back, approximately 0.4 miles total with about 100 ft elevation gain; rated easy. This is USFS Trail CASCADE PORTLAND TIE (Trail #6213.1B). The trail surface is native material, with typical grades of 12–20% and a USFS class rating of 3, so plan for short steeper or rockier sections despite the short distance. Trail is best suited for hikers comfortable on uneven natural tread; campground access (Amphitheater, 0.47 km) is very close for overnight options.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cascade Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cascade Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.

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 Uncompahgre National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, especially when wet. Exercise caution and avoid climbing on the rocks. In winter, icy conditions may make the trail hazardous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

139 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.52 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER NEAR OURAY, CO

USGS 09146020

1.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 77 sq mi

Altitude: 7,590 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER NEAR OURAY, CO (3 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

139 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

159 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

149 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

139 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

150 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

164 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

168 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

149 cfs

9/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

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 Ouray 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.

1-meter lidar shows Cascade Falls dropping about 518 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 8,378 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 584 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 300 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Cascade Falls near Ouray, Colorado, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Cascade Falls near Ouray, Colorado, showing about 518 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 8,378 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 518 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; 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 south).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Cascade Falls is located just outside the town of Ouray, Colorado. From the center of Ouray, it is a short drive or walk to the trailhead, which is located at the end of 8th Avenue.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead at the end of 8th Avenue in Ouray. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

8,373 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.026172° N, -107.664430° W

Land Management

Uncompahgre National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Be cautious on wet or icy trails, especially in winter.

This trail sits at 8,373 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.

For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. 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.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

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

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Nearby Campground

AMPHITHEATER (CO)

0.3 miles away · 35 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Amphitheater Campground is located near the town of Ouray, Colo., at an elevation of 8,400 feet. Visitors enjoy the area for its beautiful scenery and great hiking and off-road trail opportunities.Recreation Many hiking trails are found in the immediate area, including the popular Upper Cascade Falls Trail, which begins at the campground. Baby Bath Tubs and Chief Ouray Mine trails can also be accessed from the same trailhead. The campground is a favorite among jeep and off-road enthusias

Book on Recreation.gov