Idaho Vacation: Cave Falls

Cave Falls is not actually in Idaho but in the western edge of Wyoming and also in the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park.  I list it under Idaho vacations as the only road to the falls is through Idaho. 


Cave Falls in Yellowston National Park on Fall River


Cave Falls at 250 feet wide is the widest of Yellowstone's many waterfalls.  The falls is only about 20 feet high but is a beautiful waterfall on the Fall River.  It is perhaps the easiest waterfall to access and enjoy in the southwestern portion of Yellowstone.  Due to the large number of waterfalls in this region, this corner of Yellowstone is commonly referred to as "Cascade Corner".



Couple Enjoying View of Cave Falls in Yellowstone
National Park on Fall River

 From Ashton or Island Park, the falls is accessable via the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, ID-47, and the 16 mile long Cave Falls Road (FR 582 after entering the Targee National Forest).  Winter access is by snowmobile.  The western end of the Cave Falls Road (also known as the Marysville Road) is paved but that lasts only a few miles before the road turns to gravel/dirt.  The road was quite washboardy when we traveled it and I suspect it is that way most of the time it is open.  When the road crosses into Wyoming, the road is again paved, a welcome relief.  Shortly after entering Wyoming, you are greeted by an "Entering Yellowstone National Park" sign. 



Fishing Below Unnamed Falls on Fall River in
Yellowstone National Park

 At the parking area for the falls there is another unnamed falls that stretches across the Fall River that is only 8-10 feet high.  From the parking area, it is a walk of 100 yards or so to Cave Falls.  Cave Falls is named after the cave that is at the base of the falls.  A rock slide currently has the trail blocked for the last 50 feet below the falls. 



Fishing Below Cave Falls on Fall River in
Yellowstone National Park

 Fly fishing is very popular in Fall River in this area.  Much of the upper end of Fall River is in a canyon and difficult to access.  Also in this area is the junction of the Bechler River and the trailheads for several other trails that provide access to Yellowstone backcountry.  Fishing inside the park requires a National Park permit.  Fishing outside the park but on the Wyoming side of the border requires a Wyoming state licence. 

The Bechler Ranger Station is just a couple miles from Cave Falls and there are National Forest campgrounds in the area.  This is bear country so travel and recreate accordingly.  It is recommended that you have a bear bell and pepper spray with you at all times.  The campgrounds are supplied with bear proof food storage containers. 

This is a beautiful area with lots of water features, wildlife, and wildflowers.  Because of the remoteness and ruggedness of the area, visitors should take precautions to make sure they have planned for the unexpected.  Use common sense and visits to this area will create memories to last a lifetime. 

Information Sources:
Yellowstone National Park -
Mammoth Backcountry Office
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Phone: 307-344-2160
http://www.yellowstone-natl-park.com/bechler.htm

Ashton - 
Ashton Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 351, 714 Main St., Ashton, ID 83420
email: info@ashtonidaho.com, Phone 208-652-3355, Fax 208-652-3567
http://www.ashtonidaho.com/,

Caribou/Targhee National Forest, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID  83401, (208) 524-7500.
Ashton/Island Park Ranger District - Hwy 20 in Ashton, website is here