Cave Falls

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5/5 (5 reviews)
Ashton, Idaho (Fremont County)
Last Updated: 07/29/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Formed by lava flows from the Yellowstone caldera thousands of years ago, the Fall River is appropriately named after its many waterfalls. What is unique about these falls is not their height, but rather their width. Cave Falls, located within Yellowstone National Park, spans 140 feet of the river and offers breathtaking views of the upper and lower falls. And, if two waterfalls aren't enough, there is a hiking trail to Bechler Falls upstream on Bechler River. This trail offers numerous campsites, fantastic views of the Grand Tetons, and access to an isolated and less-traveled section of Yellowstone National Park.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (5)
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Official Crew
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36700
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/15/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Cave Falls remains one of our favorite spots to visit every year, and today was one of our favorite outings. Endless blue skies with puffy white clouds and snow on the rugged peaks of the Tetons to the south. Fall River water temp was very pleasant to wade around in. While not quite warm enough for a swim in like many other adventurous souls just below the main waterfalls, the calm water below the lower waterfall was great for the family to enjoy. No biting bugs but plenty of lush green grass and colorful wildflowers. The icing on the cake was having the lower day-use and picnic area all to ourselves for a few hours.
Trail Review: Cave Falls - Cory Wooldridge
Trail Review: Cave Falls - Cory Wooldridge
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/22/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Well worth a trip when visiting this area to see beautiful Cave Falls. The trail/road was in great shape with limited wash boarding and potholes. The drive is scenic, and the views of the Tetons are nice from the pullout waypoint. The real treat, though, is the Falls and there is plenty of hiking in the area as well. For a bonus, take a side trip to Sheep Falls. There's a sign marking Sheep Falls at waypoint 13, and the Falls are 4 miles from the Cave Falls trail. You take a right on this road (FR 124 or Goose Lake Road at waypoint 13) if you're on the way to Cave Falls, a left if you're on your way out. Go about 2 miles, and when FR 124 makes a hard right look to the left for a sign for FR 363. FR 363 is a bit harder than FR 124 or Cave Falls trail. The sign at the beginning says it is suitable for Jeeps but not cars. I would rate it as a 3, maybe a 4 if wet. It is a dirt trail with some rocks, it's narrow and brushy at points, but a stock Jeep would have no issues. Follow FR 363 for about 2 more miles and it dead ends at Sheep Falls, which is spectacular. There is plenty of room to stop, eat lunch, and turn around. A great side trip!
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Official Crew
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36700
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/24/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Since we've been visiting the area, Cave Falls Road was in the best shape we’ve seen this trip. Little washboard along most of the road, but nothing major. Cave Falls campground has reopened, and we took a drive through and didn't notice any improvements to justify the year and a half closure. Most of the wildflowers are gone except for some in the trees shade. The grassy fields are dry; smoke season must be near. Was pretty warm out, an the water at the day use area below the falls felt great.
Trail Review: Cave Falls - Cory Wooldridge
Trail Review: Cave Falls - Cory Wooldridge
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Official Crew
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36700
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/01/2021

We started our day in West Yellowstone and took this trail towards Island Park. After the trail and not wanting to rejoin the crazy traffic, we decided to turn left at Big Springs near Island Park and followed Fish Creek to Robinson Creek and took a left to Cave Falls. We hiked around the day-use areas looking over the waterfalls, and checked out Horseshoe Lake while we were there. The lake and trail were far too busy for our liking, so we mosied back up the same way we came and rejoined the highway in Island Park before heading home. The campground at Waypoint 17 was closed, with no signs of why or when it would reopen.
Trail Review: Cave Falls - Cory Wooldridge
Trail Review: Cave Falls - Cory Wooldridge
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Official Crew
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36700
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/18/2020

An absolute treasure of a trail. The waterfalls are stunning and the views and sounds of the running water give you an incredible feeling of serenity and overwhelming beauty of the surrounding nature. Stay a night at the nearest campground and enhance your experience just as we did, you will want to come back again and again.
Trail Review: Cave Falls - Cory Wooldridge
Trail Review: Cave Falls - Cory Wooldridge
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