Are there fees or permits required for Shoshoko Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Shoshoko Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Shoshoko Falls.

Live Conditions · 3,450 ft³/s · About average

Shoshoko Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Shoshoko Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Shoshoko Falls.

Wyoming • Grand Teton National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Grand Teton National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Shoshoko Falls

Shoshoko Falls tumbles down Avalanche Canyon in Grand Teton National Park, a dramatic cascade that drops more than 200 feet (61 m). Nestled on National Park Service lands, the falls are intermittent — fed primarily by spring snowmelt — and sit near the outlet of Taggart Creek from Lake Taminah. Because the flow depends on runoff, visits in late spring and early summer are most likely to reveal the falls at their fullest. The hike to Shoshoko Falls rewards you with a peaceful canyon setting and close-up views of the cascade within the park managed by the NPS. This is a relatively short outing that’s perfect for hikers who want a scenic waterfall destination without a long backcountry push; bring good footwear and a camera, and plan your trip around seasonal melt for the best show.

The Setting

Shoshoko Falls sits at 9,029 feet within Grand Teton National Park, fed by the Snake River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The path follows Avalanche Canyon terrain and includes forested stretches and occasional rocky or uneven sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Expect a short, single-route hike (out-and-back) that is moderately graded—accessible for most hikers comfortable with some uphill walking and unpaved trail conditions.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through natural surroundings, culminating in a view of the cascading Shoshoko Falls. The area is relatively remote, offering a quiet and serene experience.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Shoshoko Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Shoshoko Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt.

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 Grand Teton National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 49°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry adequate supplies. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall and stay on marked trails to avoid accidents.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

3,450 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.5k 2.5k 5.0k 7.1k

Based on 30 years of record

10.49 ft

Water depth at gauge

49°F

Very cold

Expect 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 49 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.2 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

8.9 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

8.2

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

162 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

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

SNAKE RIVER AT MOOSE, WY

USGS 13013650

5.7 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 1,674 sq mi

Altitude: 6,450 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Shoshoko Falls is located within the Shoshone National Forest. Access typically requires driving to a nearby trailhead, followed by a hike. Exact directions may vary depending on the starting point, so consulting a map or GPS is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, though spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

9029 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.708148° N, -110.802495° W

Land Management

Grand Teton National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight. Bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities along the trail. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail may be slippery or muddy after rain.

This trail sits at 9,029 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 2.0 miles and 300 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

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

TETON CANYON

6.7 miles away · 27 sites

Reservable

Overview Teton Canyon Campground is located in beautiful Teton Canyon at an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet. Driggs, Idaho is just 11 miles away. Hiking, backpacking and horseback riding are popular activities in this scenic region.Recreation The towering Teton Range and Jedediah Smith Wilderness are adjacent to the canyon. Excellent hiking, backpacking and horseback riding opportunities abound, with trails leaving from the campground. A horse staging area is located at the trailhead parkin

Book on Recreation.gov