Clear Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
5.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Clear Creek Falls
Clear Creek Falls is on Clear Creek just above its junction with the Highline Trail on the east side of Lower Green River Lake, in the Bridger Wilderness of Bridger-Teton National Forest. The hike starts at the Green River Lake Trailhead at the end of Forest Road 600, north of Pinedale, and follows the lakeshore with views of Squaretop Mountain.
The Setting
Clear Creek Falls sits at 8,035 feet within Bridger National Forest, in the high alpine of Wyoming.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Clear Creek (#7184), a 5.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
CLEAR CREEK #7184
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.20 miTrail Description
From the Green River Lake Trailhead, cross the bridge over the lake outlet and follow the Highline Trail (#7094, part of the Continental Divide Trail) along the east shore of Lower Green River Lake. The trail enters the Bridger Wilderness at about 0.75 mile and reaches the Clear Creek Trail (#7184) junction at about 2.4 miles; the falls are just above the junction. The footbridge over Clear Creek has been reported washed out at times, so be ready to look for a safe crossing if you continue on.
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 Clear Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on Bridger-Teton National Forest and wilderness trails but must be kept under control at all times, and leashed in campgrounds and other developed sites.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Clear Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Clear Creek Falls is late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall flow is at its peak due to snowmelt.
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 Bridger National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Clear Creek runs high and fast in June and July, so avoid crossing it during peak runoff. This is grizzly bear country; carry bear spray and store food properly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on New Fork River, 12.1 miles away, not on Clear Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
26 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
2.71 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge New Fork River ab New Fork Lakes, nr Cora, WY (20 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
28 cfs
3/10Sun
Low
29 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
29 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Dubois hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Clear Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Clear Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 27 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 105 feet of descent through Clear Creek Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 8,062 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 70 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 102 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,062 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 105 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From Pinedale, drive 7 miles west on US 191, turn north on WY 352 for about 30 miles to the national forest boundary where the pavement ends, then continue 17 miles on Forest Road 600 to Green River Lakes Campground and the Green River Lake Trailhead. In 2026 the Green River Lakes Road is under major reconstruction, so expect delays.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Green River Lake Trailhead, which has two large lots for hikers and stock users, vault toilets and no fee. The adjacent campground has no potable water in 2026 because the system was damaged in the 2025 Dollar Lake Fire.
Elevation
8,035 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.294722° N, -109.829167° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Check trail conditions before visiting, particularly in spring when snowmelt can make the trail muddy.
This trail sits at 8,035 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.
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 5.0 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
Trails end motel
Chinook Winds Lodge
Stagecoach Inn & Suites
Crooked Creek Guest Ranch
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
Green River Lake Lodge
1.9 miles away · 1 sites
Overview The Green River Lakes Lodge is located 50 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming. The lodge is available as a rental for day use events such as weddings, family reunions, or meetings for up to 50 guests, or as an overnight rental for smaller groups of up to 12 guests. Recreation During the summer months, hiking and horseback riding into the Bridger Wilderness and Wind River Range are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. The lake is open to small watercraft only, making it an exc
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Pinedale, Wyoming on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Green River Lakes Campground, Squaretop Mountain views, the Lower Green River Lake loop, and the Clear Creek Trail toward Slide Lake.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds. Visitors should be cautious of bears and carry bear spray if hiking in the region.
Cities near Clear Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Clear Creek Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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