Undine Falls

Undine Falls descends 60 feet in three distinct tiers along Lava Creek, each plunge separated by a brief rocky shelf that catches and redirects the water before sending it tumbling to the next level. The volcanic rock is dark and angular, giving the falls a rugged, primordial character quite different from the park's more famous cascades. Named for the water spirits of German mythology, the falls have an ethereal quality in early morning mist.

The viewpoint is one of the easiest waterfall stops in all of Yellowstone — a pulloff on the main road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower Junction provides a direct view of the falls from across the canyon. No hiking is required, though a short scramble leads to alternative angles. The nearby Lava Creek Trail offers a 4-mile option for those wanting to explore the creek further upstream.

The falls flow year-round but peak in late spring and early summer. This stretch of road between Mammoth and Tower is prime wildlife habitat — keep eyes peeled for elk, bison, and black bears in the meadows along the way. The pulloff is small, so be prepared to wait briefly for a parking spot during busy periods.