Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Slide Falls
Slide Falls is a tucked-away cascade set within Bridger National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls are reached via the USFS Slide Lake Trail (Trail #7147), a peaceful route that rewards visitors with a quiet, natural setting away from busier corridors. Its lesser-known status makes Slide Falls a great choice for hikers seeking solitude and photo-worthy scenery. The approach is a moderate out-and-back hike of roughly 2.0 miles (USFS GIS records list ~2.33 miles) with about 300 feet of elevation gain on the Slide Lake Trail. If you want to extend your visit, Green River Lake Lodge campground sits about 4.6 km away and provides nearby overnight options. The trail and waterfall are on National Forest land and maintained by the USFS, so standard backcountry etiquette and Leave No Trace practices apply.
The Setting
Slide Falls sits at 9,101 feet within Bridger National Forest, fed by the New Fork River, in the high alpine of Wyoming.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Slide Lake (#7147), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
SLIDE LAKE #7147
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
2.33 miTrail Description
Access: USFS Slide Lake Trail (Trail #7147), Bridger National Forest. Surface: native material. Class: 3. Length: ~2.0 miles (USFS GIS ~2.33 miles). Elevation gain: ~300 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Route type: out-and-back. The trail follows a natural, native-material tread (roots, rocks, and packed soil are common) and is rated Class 3 on USFS records, so expect sections that require steady footing and occasional scrambling over uneven ground. Sturdy footwear and basic route-awareness are recommended for a comfortable visit.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through natural surroundings, culminating in a view of Slide Falls. The waterfall may vary in flow depending on the season, with higher flows in spring and early summer due to snowmelt.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Slide Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Slide Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Slide Falls is during late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall also offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
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 Bridger National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry appropriate gear. The trail may be slippery near the waterfall, so caution is advised. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge New Fork River ab New Fork Lakes, nr Cora, WY (19 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
21 cfs
3/10Mon
Low
22 cfs
3/10Tue
Low
19 cfs
6/10Wed
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
5/10Best window: Tue — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late 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 Dubois 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 315 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 9,066 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 249 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 210 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 9,066 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 315 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Slide Falls is located in a remote area of Wyoming. Access typically requires driving on unpaved roads, and directions may vary depending on the starting point. Visitors are advised to use a reliable map or GPS device.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is limited and may consist of small pull-off areas near the trailhead. Visitors should plan accordingly.
Elevation
9,101 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.283281° N, -109.817381° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the return trip. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby.
This trail sits at 9,101 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.
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.
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
Trails end motel
Chinook Winds Lodge
Stagecoach Inn & Suites
Crooked Creek Guest Ranch
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
Green River Lake Lodge
2.9 miles away · 1 sites
Overview The Green River Lakes Lodge is located 50 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming. The lodge is available as a rental for day use events such as weddings, family reunions, or meetings for up to 50 guests, or as an overnight rental for smaller groups of up to 12 guests. Recreation During the summer months, hiking and horseback riding into the Bridger Wilderness and Wind River Range are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. The lake is open to small watercraft only, making it an exc
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and natural landmarks in the surrounding area.
Wildlife
The area around Slide Falls is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of potential encounters with larger animals such as bears.
Cities near Slide Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Slide Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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