Kepler Cascades is a 150-foot three-tier waterfall on the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park
15 Minutes
Spring, Summer
~$35 per Vehicle
Kepler Cascades Plan
While driving to Old Faithful Village on our first day in Yellowstone National Park, our GuideAlong audio tour described the Kepler Cascades. We marked it down as a potential place to stop the next day when we had more time in the park. That night, when we got to our rental home in Gardiner, we went through all of the stops and sights I wrote down and made a map so we could do it in a big loop through the park. Kepler Cascades has a lookout and a trail, so we added a stop at the lookout to our plans.
Getting There
Location
Yellowstone National Park is in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with a small percentage of the park in Montana and Idaho. There are a few ways to get to this large park, but we prefer to fly into Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC), and go through Grand Teton National Park to get to Yellowstone National Park. Visiting both national parks is a great trip to see such a diverse area in the United States.
Best Time to Go
Most of the park roads are closed from about October through May, so make sure to plan a trip to Yellowstone National Park in the summer. While that’s peak season, it’s also the only time you can easily get around the park without needing snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Kepler Cascades
Who Can Go?
The overlook for the Kepler Cascades is a short 130-foot boardwalk that takes you from the parking lot to the platform on the cliff’s edge. The parking area and the boardwalk trail are both wheelchair accessible.
What You'll See
Kepler Cascades is a beautiful waterfall in Yellowstone Park that tumbles through a deep canyon ravine. A dense forest of pine trees surrounds the falls.
Kepler Cascades
Kepler Cascades
What to Bring & Wear
On this quick stop, you don’t need to bring much. I always suggest having water with you, no matter what the weather or how short of a walk. And close-toed shoes are always a safer option, especially those with traction since you will be on the platform at the edge of a cliff. Be sure to also bring a camera to capture a photo fo this amazing place in the park.
Where to Go
About 2.5 miles south of Old Faithful, on Grand Loop Road, is a pullout on the west side of the road. The parking area has over 20 parking spots, including two handicap-accessible spots.
How Long Does it Take?
You can walk out to the platform and view the waterfall in a matter of minutes. I would plan on this being about a 10-15 minute stop as you travel through Yellowstone National Park.
Cost
While there’s no cost to view the cascades, you will pay the entrance fee for Yellowstone National Park when you enter the park.
Tips for Kepler Cascades
- The parking area is large enough for a few RV or trailers to parallel park in a designated parking area.
- Make sure to check the current conditions of the roads before traveling through Yellowstone National Park as there are sometimes closures, especially if you aren't there during peak periods.
- Get additional information about the area and what to expect from a Park Ranger when you enter the park or at one of the visitor centers.