Union Falls - Yellowstone N.P.

Several people recommended this weekend backpacking trip in Southwestern Yellowstone and I'm sure glad I took their advice. Union Falls is the second highest waterfall in the park at 265 ft. It is formed by the joining of two rivers and it is quite impressive. There are two back country campsites about a mile or so away from the falls and about 7 miles from the trail head making this trek perfect for a weekend getaway or a very ambitious day hike. Permits for camping must be attained through the Yellowstone back country offices. They are free of charge unless you want to reserve your spot more than 48 hrs in advance. Reservations then cost $20. The hike is in the Bechler area of the park and should be done in mid-July or later. The area is the wettest section of the park and you will have to ford a river at the beginning of the hike. When I went the second weekend in August the water was just bellow my knee at the deepest point, so very doable. The area does attract a lot of mosquitoes so bug spray is a must. Of course this is also grizzly country so make sure you take the proper precautions. There are frames for bear bagging already established at the camp sites.

The river that we forded

The trail head is located at the Grassy Lakes Reservoir just South of the park. To get there head to the Flagg Ranch Resort on 287 just south of Yellowstone and north of the Grand Tetons. From the resort you take the Grassy Lakes Rd west for about 10 miles. This is a dirt road, but under normal conditions should not require 4WD. You'll come across the reservoir and see a steep road on your right that leads to the base of the spill way. Park here and look for the sign marking trail. After a few minutes of hiking you will see the sign for the park boundary welcoming you into Yellowstone.

The hike itself is relatively flat and pretty well marked. There are a few trail junctions but they're all pretty straight forward. After the first river crossing there are a few creeks to get across, but we were able to cross on fallen logs or rocks each time. The trail is shaded in many sections and very pleasant. There is a noticeable descent down to the riverbed near the camp sites which can you leave you feeling a little bit winded on the trip back to your car. The first site you come across is labeled 9U4. This is where our group spent the night. There is an established fire ring and a pit toilet (read: box covering a hole in the ground). The campsite is right along the river and very nice. Just past that campsite you will cross a little foot bridge and see the other Union Falls site 9U5. From here you are about a mile from the actual falls. I'd recommend setting up camp or at least dropping your pack before hiking to the falls.

Our campsite 9U4

On the way to the falls you will pass a patrol cabin and horse hitching post. The trail forks at this hitching post with the right fork taking you to the falls. The trail ends at ridge offering you a spectacular view and great photo opportunity. At the lookout you'll also be greeted by a refreshing mist off the falls. There's a makeshift trail that leads down to the river below the falls, but be careful because it is very wet, slippery and steep. After you enjoy the falls make sure to check out the other little gem of this hike...the swimming hole.

The amazing swimming hole

Back at the horse hitching post the other fork of the trail leads to another river with a small set of falls. This river is geothermically warmed and is about temperature of a swimming pool. The river gets surprisingly deep just below the falls and is perfect for a swim. The current is stronger than it looks just below the falls so if your not a good swimmer be careful in this area. You can also climb the rocks around the pool and take a flying leap in. We spent several hours enjoying this spot. You definitely don't want to miss it!

All in all it makes for a great weekend adventure. As always in the back country make sure you familiarize yourself with the area. Yellowstone is a wild place and conditions can change quickly. Always check with a ranger on the current conditions of an area before entering the back country. Although the trail is marked it is always a good idea to bring a topo map and compass. Help preserve this wilderness by practicing good stewardship and following the Leave No Trace principles. Now go enjoy one of nature's great playgrounds!