Photo Credits (5)
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).
Trail & Hike Details
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
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.08 miTrail 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 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
208 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 25 years of record
1.77 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
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
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 MapsParking
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
8373 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.026172° N, -107.664430° W
Land Management
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 AltitudeSome 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.
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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.
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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
Hot Springs Inn
The Ouray Main Street Inn
Ouray Riverside Resort - Inn & Cabins
Ouray Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
AMPHITHEATER (CO)
0.3 miles away · 35 sites
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.govNearby Hot Springs
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Ouray, Colorado on SoakingSprings.
Explore Colorado springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the town of Ouray, known as the 'Switzerland of America,' the Ouray Hot Springs, and the Box Canyon Falls Park.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter wildlife such as deer, birds, and small mammals in the area. Be cautious and maintain a safe distance from any animals.
Cities near Cascade Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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