Quiver Cascade
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Quiver Cascade
Quiver Cascade is a lesser-known waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It is part of the Cascade Creek drainage and is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including dense forests and rugged terrain. The waterfall is not as easily accessible as some of the park's more famous features, making it a hidden gem for adventurous visitors.
The Setting
Quiver Cascade sits at 7,844 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 3.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Quiver Cascade is a backcountry route that may involve navigating unmarked paths and crossing uneven terrain. Hikers should be prepared for moderate elevation gain and bring appropriate gear. The trail passes through forested areas and offers opportunities to spot wildlife.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene and secluded waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area is typically quiet, as it is less frequented than other attractions in Yellowstone. The waterfall may have varying flow levels depending on the season.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Quiver Cascade?
❌ 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 Quiver Cascade?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Quiver Cascade is during late spring or early summer when water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall is also a great time for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
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 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should be aware of potential hazards, including wildlife encounters, uneven terrain, and changing weather conditions. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Check trail conditions with park rangers before setting out.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Firehole River, 11.1 miles away, not on Quiver Cascade's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
43 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 20 years of record
2.48 ft
Water depth at gauge
46°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 46 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 Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (18 km away).
Today
Low
43 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
47 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
45 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
43 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
42 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
43 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
42 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 West Yellowstone hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Quiver Cascade Frozen?
Updated about 15 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast
Quiver Cascade is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 40°F to 28°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 2 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 1 of the next 7
- Flow
- 45 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 101 feet of drop through Quiver Cascade, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 7,874 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 75 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 146 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and 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
- 7,874 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 101 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- 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 south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Quiver Cascade is located in Yellowstone National Park. Access typically requires hiking along backcountry trails. Visitors should consult park maps or speak with rangers for specific directions, as the waterfall is not marked on most standard park maps.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at nearby trailheads within Yellowstone National Park. The specific trailhead to use depends on the chosen route to reach the waterfall.
Elevation
7,844 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.304931° N, -110.881325° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring a map or GPS device, as the trail may not be well-marked. Check with park rangers for current trail conditions and wildlife activity. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, as this is bear country.
This trail sits at 7,844 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.
With 3.0 miles and 500 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
Cabin Village
Sawtelle Mountain Resort
Blue Buffalo Resort
Pendleton Pointe
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
Old Faithful Inn
11 miles away · 0 sites
The Old Faithful Inn, built in 1903 and a member of Historic Hotels of America® since 2012 was designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across America. Old Faithful Inn, a rustic-style lodge with a log and wood shingle exterior, is adjacent to the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. The origina
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Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions in Yellowstone National Park include Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Old Faithful.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, bison, and birds. Visitors should exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from all animals.
Cities near Quiver Cascade
Nearby Waterfalls
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