Is swimming allowed at Fern Cascades?

No, swimming is not allowed at Fern Cascades.

Live Conditions · 54 ft³/s · About average

Fern Cascades

Q: Are dogs allowed at Fern Cascades?

No, dogs are not allowed at Fern Cascades.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Nicholas_T CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Fern Cascades

Fern Cascades is a small but picturesque waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene setting for visitors.

The Setting

Fern Cascades sits at 7,552 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Firehole River, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Fairy Falls (200 ft) lies 5.6 miles to the north. Also nearby: Kepler Cascades (150 ft, 1.8 mi).

Fairy Falls Kepler Cascades

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Fern Cascades is a short and easy walk through a forested area. It is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors, including families with children.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic walk through the forest, leading to a small but charming waterfall surrounded by ferns and other vegetation. The area is typically quiet and less crowded compared to other attractions in Yellowstone.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Fern Cascades?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Fern Cascades?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Fern Cascades is during the spring and summer months when the surrounding vegetation is lush and the water flow is at its peak.

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

Be cautious of wildlife and stay on designated trails. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden rain or cold temperatures.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

54 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

43 48 137 238

Based on 19 years of record

2.57 ft

Water depth at gauge

56°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 56 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP

USGS 06036805

1.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 40 sq mi

Altitude: 7,352 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

54 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

58 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

61 cfs

3/10

Fri

Low

61 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

55 cfs

3/10

Sun

Low

50 cfs

3/10

Mon

Low

52 cfs

4/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

41 cfs

5/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 West Yellowstone hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Fern Cascades is located near the Old Faithful area in Yellowstone National Park. It can be accessed via a short trail starting near the Old Faithful Lodge.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Old Faithful Lodge, which serves as the starting point for the trail to Fern Cascades.

Elevation

7,552 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.446044° N, -110.844100° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in some areas. Bring water and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

This trail sits at 7,552 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 30% 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 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.

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.

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

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

Old Faithful Inn

1.1 miles away · 0 sites

Walking distance

The Old Faithful Inn, built in 1903 and a member of Historic Hotels of America® since 2012 was designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across America. Old Faithful Inn, a rustic-style lodge with a log and wood shingle exterior, is adjacent to the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. The origina

Book on Recreation.gov