Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River viewed from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

    Lower Falls drops into the canyon of the Yellowstone River, with steep mineral-stained walls and forested rims framing the main waterfall

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    Lower Falls

    Water Feature

    Lower Falls is a large waterfall where the Yellowstone River drops vertically into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The falls are positioned within a deep canyon, with strong vertical drop and surrounding rock walls. The composition resolves through scale, vertical flow, and the relationship between waterfall and canyon.

    44.71798, -110.49628

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    Gallery

    Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River viewed from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

    Lower Falls drops into the canyon of the Yellowstone River, with steep mineral-s…

    Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River viewed from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

    A wide view down the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone shows the river cutting thr…

    Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River from Artist Point in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

    Lower Falls drops into the canyon from the classic Artist Point viewpoint, where…

    Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River viewed from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

    The Yellowstone River winds through the canyon toward Lower Falls, with steep, m…

    Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River from Artist Point in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

    Lower Falls drops into the canyon from Artist Point, with the Yellowstone River …

    Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River with rainbow in mist viewed from Artist Point

    Lower Falls from Artist Point with a rainbow forming in the morning mist at the …

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Short Walk

    5–15 min

    Elevation Gain

    50 m

    Best Light

    Golden Hour
    Sunrise

    Light works best when low-angle light moves across the canyon because it defines the waterfall and increases separation between the falls and surrounding rock w

    Why This Light

    Low-Angle Relief
    Wide DR OK

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    Summer has strong flow with clear visibility into the canyon. Winter introduces snow and ice, altering texture and partially obscuring the falls.

    Crowds

    Often Busy

    Restrictions

    Access via multiple viewpoints including Artist Point and Brink of the Lower Falls; terrain and access vary.

    Photography Notes

    Lower Falls is photographed from multiple viewpoints rather than a single fixed position. Composition depends on selecting vantage points that control how the waterfall aligns within the canyon. Position significantly affects scale, depth, and how the falls separate from the surrounding terrain.
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    Nearby Places

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    Brink of the Lower Falls — 0.0 kmUpper Falls (Yellowstone) — 0.6 kmLookout Point — 0.7 kmArtist Point (Yellowstone) — 1.4 kmNorris Geyser Basin — 16.2 kmMammoth Hot Springs — 32.2 kmExcelsior Geyser Crater — 34.4 kmYellowstone Geothermal System — 34.5 km