Lewis Falls
Wyoming • 30 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Lewis Falls
Lewis Falls is a picturesque 30-foot waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It is situated along the Lewis River and is easily accessible from the road, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring the park.
The Setting
Lewis Falls sits at 7,726 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming. The falls drop 30 feet.
Height: 30 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Lewis Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
The trail to Lewis Falls is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It is a flat path that leads to a viewing area where you can enjoy the waterfall up close. The trail may be muddy or slippery after rain or snow, so proper footwear is recommended.
What to Expect
The falls drop 30 feet.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lewis Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on hiking trails, boardwalks or in the backcountry in Yellowstone; they must stay within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lewis Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Lewis Falls is during late spring through early fall when the weather is mild, and the roads are fully accessible. Summer offers the most reliable access, but it can also be crowded.
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
Water temperature is currently 47°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious of slippery rocks and muddy trails near the falls. Wildlife is common in the area, so always stay alert and maintain a safe distance. Follow all park regulations and carry bear spray if hiking in Yellowstone.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Snake River, 11.8 miles away, not on Lewis Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
308 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 43 years of record
2.51 ft
Water depth at gauge
47°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 47 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 SNAKE RIVER AB JACKSON LAKE AT FLAGG RANCH WY (19 km away).
Today
Moderate
308 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
313 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
339 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
334 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
318 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
317 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
322 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Kelly hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Lewis Falls Frozen?
Updated about 12 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Lewis Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 34°F to 30°F.
- Days below freezing
- 1 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 316 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 122 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 30 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 7,725 feet.
The ground changes about 86 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 53 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 7,725 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 122 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Lewis Falls is located along the South Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park, approximately 10 miles north of the South Entrance. The falls are visible from the road, and there is a small pullout area for parking nearby.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Visitors should plan to arrive early or be prepared to wait for a spot.
Elevation
7,726 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.267516° N, -110.636846° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during the summer months. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls, and wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the trail. Be cautious of slippery surfaces near the water.
This trail sits at 7,726 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 31% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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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.
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. 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.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
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.
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Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Wildlife
The area around Lewis Falls is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, and bears. Visitors should maintain a safe distance from all animals and follow park guidelines.
Cities near Lewis Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Lewis Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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