Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park, WY

Tower Falls in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming are easily accessed from either of the north entrances. The falls can also be reached by visitors coming in the other entrances, though the drive is a longer one. Tower Falls are about midway between two north entrances near Tower Junction and the Petrified Tree. From Tower Junction the rest of the park can be reached such as Dunraven Pass.

Tower Falls is a waterfall with a height of 132 feet and a 20 foot crest. The water from Tower Falls is supplied via Tower Creek. This waterfall is one of the easiest to access throughout the entire park. Other waterfalls of the park are off the beaten path. Nearby the falls is a parking area with an overlook about 100 yards from the parking area. When visitors stop in this area they can also visit the general store in Tower Junction. The trail is a dirt path so maintenance is required, which can cause closures during the year.

The falls were created due to volcanic activity in the park many years ago. The volcanic eruptions that made the park created a variety of canyons and crevices leaving behind certain natural wonders like Tower Falls. Around the falls are volcanic pinnacles that add to the beauty. The trail mentioned above is .6 miles to the bottom of the falls where visitors can look up at the cliffs around them and marvel at nature.

Thomas Moran in 1872 was the first artist and painter to record falls. His depiction of the falls shows the change to the area that has occurred over the last few years. It is best to take the trail down to the bottom to get a different perspective of the falls. From below visitors may get a glimpse of a rainbow as the sun hits the water. They can also see the cracks and crevices made by the water.

Tower Falls, since it is fed by a creek will vary in water discharge. During winter runoff the falls are fuller with water providing a luxurious view. However, by July the water will begin to slack off. Visitors will probably want to see it when it is most full, as will other waterfalls in the park. During spring the plants are also in bloom allowing the trees to frame the water a bit better than in fall when the land looks sparse.

To offer more on the trail it is a switch back style. This means visitors will be walking along a steep path with sudden curves to have them walking below the path they were just on. The steep walk requires the right shoes and fitness. The walk is not set up for handicap accessibility. Along the trail visitors will pass by Yellowstone River as well. A camera should be taken along on the journey to record the amazing sites, and for those interested rangers are willing to offer more detail about the falls.