The waterfall is located at an elevation of approximately 7,800 feet above sea level.
Lewis River, which feeds the falls, is the largest river in the park that flows entirely within the park boundaries.
The falls are situated just downstream from the narrow, forested canyon that the Lewis River carves through volcanic rhyolite.
The water temperature of the Lewis River is influenced by the thermal features located further upstream near Shoshone Lake.
Lewis Falls is a 30-foot cascade waterfall located on the Lewis River within the southern portion of Yellowstone National Park. The waterfall is formed as the Lewis River drops over a volcanic rock ledge before continuing south toward Lewis Lake. The feature is situated directly alongside the main park road, allowing for immediate visual access. It is fed by the outflow of Shoshone Lake and contributes to the drainage of the southern caldera region. The cascade is a prominent roadside stop for visitors traveling between the West Thumb Geyser Basin and the South Entrance of the park.
The pullout area provides a direct, elevated vantage point for capturing the full 30-foot cascade.
Parking is limited to a narrow pullout directly off the South Entrance Road, so use caution when merging back into traffic.
The best views are available directly from the roadside pullout, eliminating the need for a strenuous hike.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the peak traffic congestion typical of the main park arteries.
Do not stop your vehicle in the middle of the road to view the falls; use the designated gravel pullout to ensure safety.
The road access is typically closed to standard vehicles from late autumn through late spring due to heavy snowfall.
Stay behind designated barriers; do not attempt to scramble down the steep, unstable embankment to the water's edge.
