Plateau Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Plateau Falls
Plateau Falls is a tucked-away cascade located inside Yellowstone National Park, managed by the National Park Service (NPS). The falls offer a peaceful stop for hikers exploring Yellowstone’s varied landscapes, presenting a compact but rewarding sight well within the park’s boundaries. Visitors will appreciate the sense of remoteness while remaining on public lands administered by the NPS. The hike is commonly rated moderate and suits day visitors who are comfortable on uneven terrain; note that established campgrounds are not immediately adjacent to the falls (the nearest developed campsite, Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch, is roughly 34.8 km away).
The Setting
Plateau Falls sits at 8,957 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high alpine of Wyoming.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route is a park-managed footpath within Yellowstone National Park (NPS). Specifics such as formal surface type, grade percentages, or trail class are not documented in the provided park data. Expect natural tread with roots, rocks, and modest grade changes; wear sturdy footwear, carry water, and be prepared for variable footing on a short forested approach.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with the sound of cascading water. The area may feature lush vegetation and wildlife typical of Wyoming's wilderness.
Accessibility
Accessibility details are not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Plateau 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?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Plateau Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as snowmelt typically enhances the water flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather.
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 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Carry bear spray if hiking in bear country. Check weather conditions and trail reports before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Snake River, 21.8 miles away, not on Plateau Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
300 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 43 years of record
2.49 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°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 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SNAKE RIVER AB JACKSON LAKE AT FLAGG RANCH WY (35 km away).
Today
Moderate
300 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
325 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
320 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
305 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
304 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
308 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
317 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly 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 Plateau Falls Frozen?
Updated about 18 hours agoNot frozen 1 day in a row below freezing north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing
Plateau Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 30°F to 22°F.
- Days below freezing
- 3 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 1 day
- 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 148 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 8,987 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 56 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 80 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,987 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 148 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Specific directions to Plateau Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for the most accurate information. It may be located within a national park or forest area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should check with local park services or trailheads for parking options.
Elevation
8,957 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.159119° N, -110.236039° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the location may not be well-marked. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails can become muddy or slippery.
This trail sits at 8,957 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome 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.
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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.
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.
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.
Nearby Campground
Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch
21.6 miles away · 171 sites
Overview Availability will go live on Recreation.gov on a 6-month rolling basis for RV sites, Tent sites, and Camper Cabins. Located in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, directly between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and just minutes from both, Headwaters Campground offers the perfect basecamp for exploration. Situated in a spectacular wooded setting with rolling hills and Teton mountain views, this campground is the perfect place to unwind and unplug, as there is limi
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints within the Yellowstone ecosystem or surrounding areas.
Wildlife
The area may feature wildlife such as deer, elk, birds, and potentially bears. Visitors should practice proper wildlife safety.
Cities near Plateau Falls
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