Is swimming allowed at Lost Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lost Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 169 ft³/s · About average

Lost Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lost Creek Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Lost Creek Falls.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 4 other waterfalls also named Lost Creek Falls, see below

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

wonder_al CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Lost Creek Falls

Lost Creek Falls sits tucked inside Yellowstone National Park and is managed by the National Park Service. This small, tranquil cascade on Lost Creek is framed by forested slopes and rocky benches, offering a peaceful contrast to the park’s famous geysers and thermal basins. As part of the nation’s first national park (established in 1872), the falls provide an intimate, easy-to-reach taste of Yellowstone’s quieter natural scenery. The site is ideal for a short detour on a broader Yellowstone itinerary or a relaxed half-day outing. Tower Fall Campground is just 3.25 km away, making Lost Creek Falls an easy add-on for campers looking to combine an evening by the creek with nearby campsite amenities. The setting is welcoming for families and photographers seeking reflective pools and shaded viewing spots under mature trees.

The Setting

Lost Creek Falls sits at 6,640 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Lamar River, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Tower Fall (132 ft) lies 1.9 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Wraith Falls (79 ft, 10.1 mi).

Tower Fall Wraith Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.5 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail length: 1.5 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 100 feet. Difficulty: easy. The route is a short, well-marked out-and-back that winds through forested terrain with minimal grade and straightforward footing, making it accessible to most hikers and families. Surface is typical park trail tread through woods; there are no technical sections or steep switchbacks on the approach to the falls.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic experience at Lost Creek Falls. The waterfall is not particularly large, but its beauty lies in its tranquil setting and the surrounding natural features. The area is typically less crowded than other attractions in the park, providing a more secluded experience.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lost Creek Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lost Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Lost Creek Falls is during late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall also offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.

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 slippery rocks near the waterfall. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area. Check weather conditions before your visit, as sudden storms can occur.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

169 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

134 159 253 381

Based on 87 years of record

1.09 ft

Water depth at gauge

55°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 55 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

Lamar River nr Tower Ranger Station YNP

USGS 06188000

1.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 668 sq mi

Altitude: 6,000 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Lamar River nr Tower Ranger Station YNP (3 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

169 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

169 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

166 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

178 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

190 cfs

4/10

Tue

Moderate

172 cfs

8/10

Wed

Low

158 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

162 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tue — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

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 Mammoth 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 257 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,616 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 93 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 141 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Lost Creek Falls near Mammoth, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Lost Creek Falls near Mammoth, Wyoming, showing about 257 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 6,616 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 257 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Lost Creek Falls is located near the Jenny Lake area in Grand Teton National Park. Visitors can access the falls by taking the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and following signs for the String Lake Trailhead. From there, a short hike leads to the waterfall.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the String Lake Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

6,640 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.909144° N, -110.420055° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or slippery in some sections. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months.

This trail sits at 6,640 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 27% 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.

This easy 1.5 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

Tower Fall Campground

2 miles away · 33 sites

Reservable

Overview Tower Fall Campground—elevation 6,600 feet (2012 m)—is on the north side of the steep, winding, road to Dunraven Pass. The campground is near the Tower General Store and Tower Fall. The Lamar Valley, with spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, is nearby as are several Day Hikes in the Tower and Northeast Area. Roosevelt Lodge, a short drive from the campground, offers dining and horseback riding. For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishin

Book on Recreation.gov