Are there fees or permits required for Porcupine Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Porcupine Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Porcupine Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Porcupine Falls.

Nearby gauge (Bighorn River) · 754 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Porcupine Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Porcupine Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Porcupine Falls.

Wyoming • 70 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Bighorn National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (3)

U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS

rogerhoward CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

ptooey CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

0.8 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

400 ft

About Porcupine Falls

Porcupine Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. It cascades into a serene pool surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Porcupine Falls sits at 8,022 feet within Bighorn National Forest, in the high alpine of Wyoming. The falls drop 70 feet.

Height: 70 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bucking Mule Falls, the tallest waterfall in Wyoming at 600 feet, lies 2.9 miles to the north.

Bucking Mule Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.8 mi distance 400 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Porcupine Falls (#135), a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 400 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

PORCUPINE FALLS #135

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

5-8%

USFS Segment

0.23 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Porcupine Falls is short but steep, descending approximately 400 feet to the base of the waterfall. The path is rocky and can be slippery, especially after rain. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for a challenging climb back up to the trailhead.

What to Expect

The falls drop 70 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Porcupine Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Porcupine Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Porcupine Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is free of snow and the waterfall is flowing strongly.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Bighorn National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail can be steep and slippery, so proper footwear is essential. Be cautious near the edge of the waterfall and supervise children closely. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Bighorn River, 14.7 miles away, not on Porcupine Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

754 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

994 1.3k 2.0k 2.6k

Based on 97 years of record

1.93 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

BIGHORN RIVER AT KANE, WY

USGS 06279500

14.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 15,750 sq mi

Altitude: 3,659 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BIGHORN RIVER AT KANE, WY (24 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

754 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

754 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

749 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

735 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

799 cfs

3/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

779 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

745 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

745 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, 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 Lovell 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 318 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 70 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 8,220 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 122 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 187 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Porcupine Falls near Lovell, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Porcupine Falls near Lovell, Wyoming, showing about 318 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 8,220 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 318 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; 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 north).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Porcupine Falls is accessed via Forest Road 14A in the Bighorn National Forest. The trailhead is well-marked and located approximately 13 miles west of Burgess Junction.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it may fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Elevation

8,022 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.855417° N, -107.915358° W

Land Management

Bighorn National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and bring plenty of water, as the climb back to the trailhead can be strenuous. Be cautious on the trail, especially if it has rained recently, as the rocks can be slippery.

This trail sits at 8,022 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some 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 0.8 miles and 400 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.

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

7 Mi to Bighorn Nat’l Forest: Dog-Friendly Home

Cozy Cabin Perfect for a Romantic Escape with BBQ in Dayton, Wyoming

See all hotels near Dayton

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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

PORCUPINE CAMPGROUND (WY)

3.3 miles away · 16 sites

Reservable

Overview Porcupine Campground is located along the Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14A), 33 miles east of Lovell, Wyoming. The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is nearby. Visitors enjoy the area for its scenic natural beauty, recreational opportunities and excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Fishing is popular on nearby streams and lakes. The administering organization is Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: gccampgrounds13@gmail.comRecreation From the

Book on Recreation.gov