Is swimming allowed at Virginia Cascade?

No, swimming is not allowed at Virginia Cascade.

Live Conditions · 2 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Virginia Cascade

Q: Are dogs allowed at Virginia Cascade?

No, dogs are not allowed at Virginia Cascade.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

afagen CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Michael Jefferies CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Waifer X CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

sdwat54 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Virginia Cascade

Virginia Cascade is a picturesque waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It is a cascading waterfall along the Gibbon River, known for its serene beauty and relatively easy access. The waterfall is surrounded by lush forested areas, making it a peaceful spot for visitors.

The Setting

Virginia Cascade sits at 7,815 feet within Yellowstone National Park, fed by the Tantalus Creek, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River (308 ft) lies 7.4 miles to the east. Also nearby: Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River (109 ft, 7.2 mi) and Gibbon Falls (84 ft, 7.3 mi).

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River Gibbon Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Virginia Cascade is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

The trail to Virginia Cascade is extremely short and more of a viewing area than a traditional hiking trail. Visitors can enjoy the waterfall from a designated viewpoint along the Virginia Cascade Drive.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic experience with views of the cascading waterfall surrounded by forest. The area is typically quiet and less crowded compared to other attractions in Yellowstone.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Virginia Cascade?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Virginia Cascade?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is during late spring through early fall when the Virginia Cascade Drive is open and the surrounding vegetation is lush and green.

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

Stay on designated paths and viewing areas. Be cautious of slippery surfaces near the waterfall, especially after rain. Always check road and weather conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

2 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

2 3 4 5

Based on 22 years of record

1.32 ft

Water depth at gauge

85°F

Warm

Very comfortable

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. The water is warm at 85 degrees F, very comfortable for swimming.

About This Gauge

Tantalus Creek at Norris Junction, YNP

USGS 06036940

3.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1 sq mi

Altitude: 7,460 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Tantalus Creek at Norris Junction, YNP (6 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

2 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

2 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

2 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

2 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

2 cfs

3/10

Tue

Low

2 cfs

6/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

2 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

2 cfs

5/10

Best window: Tue — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late December to late January, peaking in May.

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 Mammoth 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 140 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 7,814 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 86 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 76 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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Virginia Cascade near Mammoth, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Virginia Cascade near Mammoth, Wyoming, showing about 140 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 7,814 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 140 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.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Virginia Cascade is located along the Virginia Cascade Drive, a one-way road off the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park. The drive is typically open during the warmer months and provides a scenic route to view the waterfall.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited parking available along the Virginia Cascade Drive. Visitors should be prepared for a short walk from their vehicle to the viewing area.

Elevation

7,815 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.712992° N, -110.646041° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid potential crowds. Check road conditions before visiting, as Virginia Cascade Drive may be closed during winter or after heavy rain.

This trail sits at 7,815 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV 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.

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.

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead

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

Indian Creek Campground (WY)

12.8 miles away · 73 sites

Reservable

Overview Located about eight miles (13 km) south of Mammoth Hot Springs on the road to Norris, Indian Creek Campground—elevation 7,300 feet (2225 m)—sits near the base of the Gallatin Mountains and offers breathtaking views of Electric Peak. The area offers easy access to fishing and hiking. The campground is away from the main road and provides a quieter, more primitive, experience than many other locations. For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishin

Book on Recreation.gov