Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
350 ft
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. Access to Plateau Falls is typically via a short hiking approach: an out-and-back route of roughly 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain. 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, fed by the Snake River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.
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
Trail to Plateau Falls: out-and-back, approximately 2.4 miles round trip with ~350 feet of cumulative elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. 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
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Plateau Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
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 45°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
Based on a USGS gauge 22 miles away
1,950 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 42 years of record
4.61 ft
Water depth at gauge
45°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 45 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.
Weather Forecast
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
8957 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.
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.
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.
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
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
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Kelly, Wyoming
North Buffalo Fork Springs
North Buffalo Fork Springs flows at 113 degrees Fahrenheit—76 degrees above the frigid 36-degree ambient—at 7,420 feet elevatio...
Butte Springs
Butte Springs discharges water at 187 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of Yellowstone's hotter thermal features accessible via...
Turbid Springs
Turbid Springs reaches 198°F at 7,858 feet elevation in Yellowstone National Park, requiring a 2.5-kilometer hike from the East...
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs erupts at 198 degrees Fahrenheit just 12 meters from the East Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park at 7...
Hot Springs In Pelican Valley
Hot Springs in Pelican Valley emerges at 156°F at 7,900 feet elevation, discharging thermal water 122 degrees above ambient tem...
Beach Springs
Beach Springs flows in Yellowstone National Park near the East Entrance at 7,744 feet elevation, classified historically as hot...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Kelly, Wyoming on SoakingSprings.
Explore Wyoming springsAdditional Information
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
Writing about Plateau Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.