Undine Falls is a 69-foot tiered waterfall on Lava Creek in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, about four miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs. The creek drops in three plunges within sight of the road, and a short flight of stairs leads from a pull-off to the viewpoint.
The falls
Lava Creek spills over the face of a basalt lava flow laid down about 700,000 years ago, breaking into three separate plunges. The total drop is listed at 69 feet, with the tallest single step 26 feet; other sources give 60 feet. The overlook takes in all three plunges.
Getting there
The falls sit beside the park road about four miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs. Parking is at a pull-off on the north side of the road, and the viewing platform is about 20 feet away down a set of stairs.
Yellowstone admission is $35 per vehicle for seven days, $30 per motorcycle and $20 per person on foot or bicycle, plus $100 per person for non-US residents aged 16 and older unless they hold an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. Vehicle reservations are not required.
When to go
The road from the North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance stays open all year, so the falls can be reached in any season. In winter Lava Creek freezes and the falls turn to ice; spring through autumn is recommended, with the best light from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
On site
The view is framed by fairly dense forest, and staying at the designated overlook is advised: the informal paths around it give no better view and can be dangerous. The park's 2023 accessibility review found historic stone steps and worn asphalt with tripping hazards at the overlook, and proposed views from the parking area for visitors who can't use the stairs. Along Lava Creek the park warns of grizzly bears and swift, cold water, and advises against swimming in park rivers.
History and name
Early names included East Gardner Falls and Gardiner River Falls. Geologist Arnold Hague renamed the falls in 1885 after undines, the water spirits of German mythology said to live around waterfalls. The falls appeared on the cover of National Geographic in July 1977.
Nearby
Lower Undine Falls is also on Lava Creek, about 0.1 mile away. Wraith Falls is about 1 mile away, Osprey Falls on the Gardner River about 2.3 miles and Blacktail Deer Falls about 4 miles.
Distances are straight-line.