Are there fees or permits required for Columbine Cascade?

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

Is swimming allowed at Columbine Cascade?

No, swimming is not allowed at Columbine Cascade.

Live Conditions · 1,540 ft³/s · About average

Columbine Cascade

Q: Are dogs allowed at Columbine Cascade?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Columbine Cascade.

Wyoming • Grand Teton National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Grand Teton National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (3)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Columbine Cascade

Columbine Cascade is a peaceful, easy-to-enjoy waterfall tucked inside Grand Teton National Park and managed by the National Park Service. The cascade offers a classic Tetons experience—framed by alpine forest and high-country ridgelines—and is a great option for hikers looking for a short nature break. Like many of the park’s cascades, its flow is seasonal and typically fattens with late-spring snowmelt from the surrounding high peaks, so visit in spring for the most impressive run.

The Setting

Columbine Cascade sits at 8,438 feet within Grand Teton National Park, fed by the Snake River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

1.0 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 1.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The approach to Columbine Cascade is a short, easy out-and-back hike of approximately 1.0 mile with about 200 feet of elevation gain. Rated easy, the route is suitable for most visitors and makes a good half-day or afternoon outing from nearby trailheads in Grand Teton National Park. The trail is managed by the National Park Service; note that cascade flows are seasonal and are often highest in late spring and early summer. Colter Bay Campground is the closest developed campsite, roughly 8.8 km away, for those planning an overnight stay.

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 Columbine Cascade?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Columbine Cascade?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the Beartooth Highway is open and the water flow is strongest.

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 Grand Teton National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails and carry bear spray as the area is within bear country.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 2 days ago Barely Flowing

1,540 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

53 549 2.2k 2.9k

Based on 122 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 NEAR MORAN, WY

USGS 13011000

9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 807 sq mi

Altitude: 6,728 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SNAKE RIVER NEAR MORAN, WY (15 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

1280 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

1280 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

1071 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

937 cfs

5/10

Mon

Low

917 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

585 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

499 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

443 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early June to early September, 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 ground through the falls loses about 352 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 8,433 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 287 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 309 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Columbine Cascade near Alta, Wyoming, showing about 352 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 8,433 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 352 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Columbine Cascade is accessible via the Beartooth Highway (US 212), a scenic route that connects Wyoming and Montana. The waterfall is located near the Clay Butte Lookout area. Visitors may need to hike a short distance from the highway to reach the cascade.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available along the Beartooth Highway at designated pullouts or trailheads near the Clay Butte Lookout area.

Elevation

8,438 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.916602° N, -110.749380° W

Land Management

Grand Teton National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in places. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. Check road conditions for the Beartooth Highway before visiting, as it may be closed during winter or early spring.

This trail sits at 8,438 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.

This easy 1.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

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

Colter Bay Campground

5.5 miles away · 360 sites

Reservable

Overview The vast Colter Bay Campground at Colter Bay Village is set amidst towering lodgepole pines just a short, picturesque stroll away from Jackson Lake. The campground offers camping for tents and dry camping for RVs. (For full hookup RV sites, check out the Colter Bay RV Park.) Campsites include 338 individual campsites, 12 large group sites, 10 hiker-bicycler sites, and 13 electric-only ADA-accessible sites. Generator Loops are H, J, K M, & O. The campground is open from mid-May to late-Se

Book on Recreation.gov