Beartooth Falls

Overview

Beartooth Falls is a photogenic roadside cascade along US‑212 on the Wyoming side of the Beartooth Highway. You can glimpse it from the road, but the better views come after a brief stroll to creekside viewpoints. It’s an easy add‑on during the drive between Red Lodge and the Yellowstone northeast entrance.

What You’ll See

A rocky, multi‑tier cascade dropping into a clear pool, with multiple vantage points that don’t require a long hike. It’s especially impressive during spring runoff and after rains, when the volume swells and the sound fills the canyon.

Getting There & Logistics

There’s a small, free pullout with parking right off the highway, roughly 30 miles west of Red Lodge. There are no on‑site services or toilets. For restrooms, plan a stop at Rock Creek Vista Point or near the pass; for fuel and basic snacks, Top of the World is the reliable option along this corridor.

Trail & Difficulty

Expect an easy, well‑marked walk of about 0.5 miles round trip to reach the main viewpoints. Surfaces near the water can be slick—grippy shoes help. Stay on the signed path and give wet edges a wide berth; currents are stronger than they look.

Season & Road Notes

The Beartooth Highway usually opens in mid/late May and closes by mid‑October, with fast‑changing mountain weather even in summer. Plan your visit for the open season; Beartooth Falls is typically accessible dawn to dusk when the road is open.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through summer offers peak flow. To avoid parking headaches, target weekdays or arrive earlier in the day. Layers are smart—conditions can flip quickly at elevation.

Easy Pairings

Make this a 60–90 minute stop with photos, then continue to Rock Creek Vista for big panoramas (and restrooms), Island Lake for a lakeside break, Clay Butte Lookout for wide views, or push over the pass toward Cooke City and Yellowstone.