Terraced Falls

This short 3.9-mile out-and-back begins just south of the park on the Flagg Ranch to Ashton, Idaho National Forest Service Road (sometimes called the Grassy Lake Road) just over a mile west of Grassy Lake and 11 miles west of Flagg Ranch. This relatively new trail was constructed in 1988. From the parking area on the north side of the gravel Grassy Lake Road, follow the Cascade Creek-Falls River Cutoff Trail as it parallels Cascade Creek on the right and drops 140 feet in just over .4 miles to a trail junction. Continue straight on the Terraced Falls Trail (past the Mountain Ash Creek Trail on the right). In the next 3/4 miles the Terraced Falls Trail closely follows well-named Cascade Creek as it tumbles down another 150-feet to join the Falls River. Along the way, just off the trail, you can see 5 lovely cascades with fanciful suggested names, in order: Pothole Cascades (40 feet);Diamond Cascade (15 feet);Humpback Cascade (15 feet);and two-sectioned Cleft Cascade (20 feet). After Cascade Creek flows into the Falls River the trail follows this much larger watercourse northwest and passes well-named Cascade Acres at the 1.4-mile mark. This beautiful, wide cascade falls a total of 50 feet. At the 1.9-mile mark, the trail ends at a nice overlook of Terraced Falls. Here the Falls River plunges over 150 feet through a series of six "terraces" (the highest drop is 45 feet) as it churns its way into an impressive rock canyon. Although viewpoint is less than ideal, Terraced Falls is one of Yellowstone's best backcountry falls. And the brink of the falls makes a wonderful picnic spot. When you are through enjoying the falls, retrace your steps to the trailhead.Thanks to guidebook author, Tom Carter, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about visiting Yellowstone, check out his book, Day Hiking Yellowstone.