Are there fees or permits required for Tempe Cascade?

No, there are no fees required to visit Tempe Cascade.

Is swimming allowed at Tempe Cascade?

No, swimming is not allowed at Tempe Cascade.

Live Conditions · 55 ft³/s · About average

Tempe Cascade

Q: Are dogs allowed at Tempe Cascade?

No, dogs are not allowed at Tempe Cascade.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Tempe Cascade

Tempe Cascade is a quiet, lesser-known waterfall tucked inside Yellowstone National Park and managed by the National Park Service. Surrounded by the park’s rugged landscapes, it rewards visitors seeking a more solitary nature experience with scenic cascades and the hush of forested backcountry — a pleasant contrast to the park’s busier thermal areas. Access to the falls is via a moderate hike: the approach is an out-and-back route of 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain. Because the waterfall sits within NPS territory, visitors should plan according to park regulations and seasonal trail conditions, bringing appropriate footwear and supplies for a moderate backcountry hike.

The Setting

Tempe Cascade sits at 7,920 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Firehole River, in the high mountains 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 length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. Trail type: Out-and-back. Managed by: National Park Service (Yellowstone National Park). Note: The available data does not specify an official trail number, surface type, or formal USFS trail class for this route. Hikers should expect typical park trail conditions and check current Yellowstone trail status with the NPS before setting out.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and remote waterfall experience, surrounded by Wyoming's natural landscapes. The area may have limited facilities and signage.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tempe Cascade?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Tempe Cascade?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as snowmelt may enhance the waterfall's flow.

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

The trail may be unmarked and rugged. Visitors should prepare for remote conditions, carry sufficient supplies, and inform someone of their plans. Be cautious of wildlife and changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

55 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

43 48 137 238

Based on 19 years of record

2.58 ft

Water depth at gauge

66°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 66 degrees F, good for a quick swim.

About This Gauge

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

Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP

USGS 06036805

11.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 40 sq mi

Altitude: 7,352 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

55 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

55 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

60 cfs

3/10

Fri

Low

62 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

57 cfs

3/10

Sun

Low

49 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

51 cfs

4/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

42 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly 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 West Yellowstone hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Specific directions to Tempe Cascade are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or contact nearby ranger stations for guidance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available.

Elevation

7,920 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.301598° N, -110.870491° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the trail may not be well-marked. Check weather conditions before visiting, and wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain.

This trail sits at 7,920 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 32% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

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.

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

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

11.1 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

Book on Recreation.gov