Union Falls

Union Falls is my favorite waterfall in Yellowstone. It's not quite as spectacular as lower falls but the adventure getting there more than makes up for it to me. The waterfall is massive at about 250 feet tall and has a very unique character because two creeks meet at the top and meet mid plunge. The area is incredible. It is located in the remote Bechler River area also known as Cascade Corner. There is also a nice side trip to Ouzel Pool also known as Scout Pool that has thermally heated water making a great swimming hole. We will cover this spot in a separate Trek. This area is probably most often visited as a very long day hike. You're about 18 miles any way you shake it. You can start from either the Fish Lake trailhead or the Grassy Lake trailhead. Both trailheads are located on the Flagg Ranch Road that runs between Grand Teton National Park and Ashton, Idaho. This dirt road is suitable for cars during good conditions. We started from Fish Lake because it's closer to Idaho. If you are coming from Jackson, the Grassy Lake way would be best. Distances are almost the exact same. If you decide to backpack like we did then you will need a permit to reserve a site. I highly recommend spending a night in the area. There are some annoyances though to visit here with a permit. First off, Yellowstone hasn't upgraded the 1970's technology so to see what sites are taken and reserve a permit you have to either call or fax. Hopefully they upgrade the reservation system like the slick online system used by Canyonlands, and Zion National Parks. The other annoyance is that you have to pick up your permit in person from one of the visitor centers. Coming from Utah late the night before this meant we had to drive into the Bechler Ranger Station in the morning and then back track a 90 minute drive to get to the trailhead to start our hike. While this isn't as big of an issue, coming from other directions it was hard for us to get a decently early start. The reason you have to be in person is to watch a safety video we have already seen. Again, like Zion they need a frequent user program so those who visit often can print a permit at home and go straight to the trailhead. We reserved site 9U2 which is located about halfway through the trail. This was nice because we could sleep in and still get back to the truck at a decent time. Only some of the sites allow fires so be sure you know if yours is allowed. High clearance will be needed to get to the Fish Lake trailhead. A car can easily make the Grassy Lake Trail Head if the conditions are good. One last note, there are 3 river fords in this hike. You will need to bring some sort of water shoes. The crossings in August were not more than waist deep. You park at the Fish Lake Trail Head and the hike actually starts out in the Winegar Hole Wilderness. As you begin hiking, you will quickly see Fish Lake. Shortly after Fish Lake a small plaque will mark your entrance into Yellowstone after roughly a mile. The trail will be in the forest for quite a while. It gave me a nice break from the sun. You will soon come to a ford of the very wide Falls River. The water is very cold. Take your time and be safe. After the ford it's more forest. This is the theme of this hike. About two miles after the first ford comes the second ford at Mountain Ash Creek. After this ford the trail goes through a few wide open meadows that were dry in August but probably quite wet and buggy in early summer. Our campsite was located in this area. We had great tent spots with a nice food cache and a great view of Mountain Ash Creek right in camp. Right after sites 9u2 and 9u3 you will come to the final ford of Mountain Ash Creek. You will then pass the junction with the Grassy Lake Trail and then reach the small patrol cabin near the other campsites in the area. There is a creek crossing with a bridge in this area. From the cabin, it's just over two miles to the falls with a short climb at the end. You can also take a short 3/4 mile side trip to Ouzel Pool for a swim. You will hear the falls before you get to them. They are one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. They are massive. It's hard to tell the size with photos but the boulders at the base are probably 10 to 15 feet tall. The falls are 250 feet tall and almost as wide. There is also a muddy narrow trail to get to the base of the falls to relax in the mist. We returned the same way we came but there are options to go to Grassy Lake or even take the Mountain Ash trail all the way to the Bechler Ranger Station.