Are there fees or permits required for Wahhi Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Wahhi Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wahhi Falls.

Nearby gauge (Firehole River) · 38 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Wahhi Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wahhi Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Wahhi Falls. 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.

Wyoming

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yellowstone National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

About Wahhi Falls

Wahhi Falls is a tucked-away cascade within Yellowstone National Park, managed by the National Park Service. Though the falls themselves are not widely documented in published sources for exact height or seasonal flow, the site offers a peaceful, less-trafficked alternative for visitors who want a quieter slice of Yellowstone backcountry. The falls sit inside the boundaries of the nation’s first national park (established 1872), so visitors should follow park regulations and backcountry etiquette while exploring the area. Park records do not list a formal USFS trail number for this route since it lies on NPS land; hikers should be prepared for natural tread and occasional steep sections, carry good footwear and basic navigation, and note that the nearest developed camping is Cave Falls Campground, about 19.6 km away.

The Setting

Wahhi Falls sits at 7,680 feet within Yellowstone National Park, in the high mountains of Wyoming.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sluiceway Falls (10 ft) lies 0.3 miles to the northwest.

Sluiceway Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail type: Out-and-back. Difficulty: Moderate. Managing agency: National Park Service (Yellowstone National Park). USFS trail number: not applicable—this route is on NPS land. Surface/grade/class: not specified in park documentation; the trail is an unpaved park path (natural tread) with short steeper pitches consistent with the listed elevation gain. Expect uneven footing in places and carry appropriate footwear and navigation tools.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and remote natural setting. The waterfall may vary in flow depending on the season, and the surrounding terrain may be rugged.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wahhi Falls?

❌ 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?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wahhi Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer may offer the best views of the waterfall due to higher water flow from snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The terrain around Wahhi Falls may be rugged and remote. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground, potential wildlife encounters, and changing weather conditions. Always inform someone of your plans before visiting remote areas.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Firehole River, 13 miles away, not on Wahhi Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

38 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

2.43 ft

Water depth at gauge

42°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

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. Water temperature is very cold at 42 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.

Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP

USGS 06036805

13 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 40 sq mi

Altitude: 7,340 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

39 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

39 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

38 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

38 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

39 cfs

5/10

Sat

Low

42 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

44 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

43 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, 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.

Is Wahhi Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded 1 more freezing day forecast

Wahhi Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 29°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.

Days below freezing: 1 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 1 of the next 7
Flow: 40 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.

1-meter lidar measures about 128 feet of descent through Wahhi Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 7,710 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 40 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 98 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Wahhi Falls near West Yellowstone, Wyoming, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wahhi Falls near West Yellowstone, Wyoming, showing about 128 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 7,710 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 128 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to Wahhi Falls are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local resources or guides for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability near Wahhi Falls is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or no designated parking areas.

Elevation

7,680 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.275208° N, -110.877714° W

Land Management

Yellowstone National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the area may lack clear signage. Check weather conditions before visiting, and wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain.

This trail sits at 7,680 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

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

Cave Falls Campground

12.2 miles away · 0 sites

This campgrond is situated on the banks of Fall River in Wyoming along the south border of Yellowstone National Park. Cave Falls Campground has 23 single site units and a terrific area for fishing. Each campsite has fire rings, grills and picnic tables. Located throughout the campground are vault toilets, water faucets, bear proof storage boxes, and a dumpster. The campground is located in grizzly bear habitat that requires special precautions be taken with food storage.

Book on Recreation.gov