Is swimming allowed at Kepler Cascades?

No, swimming is not allowed at Kepler Cascades.

Live Conditions · 52 ft³/s · About average

Kepler Cascades

Q: Are dogs allowed at Kepler Cascades?

No, dogs are not allowed at Kepler Cascades.

Wyoming • 150 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Jill Clardy CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

kla4067 CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Joe Shlabotnik CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Kepler Cascades

Kepler Cascades is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall located along the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The cascades drop approximately 150 feet over a series of rocky ledges, creating a picturesque and dynamic scene. It is easily accessible and a popular stop for visitors exploring the park.

The Setting

Kepler Cascades sits at 7,559 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Firehole River, in the high mountains of Wyoming. At 150 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Wyoming.

Height: 150 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Fairy Falls (200 ft) lies 6.3 miles to the northwest.

Fairy Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Kepler Cascades is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

The trail to Kepler Cascades is extremely short and consists of a paved path leading from the parking area to a wooden viewing platform. The platform provides an excellent view of the cascades and the surrounding forest.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 150 feet.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kepler Cascades?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Kepler Cascades?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit Kepler Cascades is during the spring and summer when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a serene, snowy landscape if the roads are open.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Safety Information

Stay on designated paths and the viewing platform. Do not attempt to climb down to the waterfall as the terrain is steep and dangerous. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in winter.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

52 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

43 47 129 235

Based on 19 years of record

2.56 ft

Water depth at gauge

58°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 58 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP

USGS 06036805

1.2 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

52 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

60 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

61 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

56 cfs

3/10

Sun

Low

48 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

54 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

42 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

38 cfs

5/10

Best window: Tue — barely flowing flow, mostly 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

Kepler Cascades is located about 2.5 miles south of Old Faithful along the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park. It is easily accessible by car.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the viewing platform, which is located just off the road.

Elevation

7,559 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.445767° N, -110.807155° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during the summer months. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Be cautious near the edge of the platform and supervise children closely.

This trail sits at 7,559 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.

For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

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

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

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

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

1.6 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