My Adventurous Hike to Dunanda Falls
One of my favorite places in the world, Dunanda Falls, is located in the remote backcountry of Yellowstone National Park. This spectacular waterfall is breathtaking to the eyes and eases the whole body. As you soak in one of the many 110-degree hot pools near the base of the falls, any tired or sore muscles from your 9-mile hike will be a distant memory. And the cool mist from this 150′ waterfall against your face provides just the right amount of cooling to keep you comfortable for hours – Five, in my case, the day I took this picture.
If you get overheated, the pool at the base is the perfect temperature for cooling down. Also, if you have ever dreamed about walking behind a waterfall, this is an excellent place for that dream to come true.
This adventure began on a Friday night as me, and a friend of mine camped out near Cave Falls. Just as we were lying down, a giant, neon-green fireball streaked across the night sky, covering nearly the entire northern horizon. I found the night sky fascinating and was just happy to be falling asleep under the stars, and to see such a rare occurrence was the icing on the cake that night.
In the morning, we headed to the Bechler Ranger Station, which would be our entrance into Yellowstone, and began hiking just as the sun rose in the morning. The 9-mile one-way hike to Dunanda falls through Bechler meadows is flat except for the last half mile. There are several creek crossings to cool you down because there is a significant lack of shade here. I backpacked through here in late August and felt like I was more in the grasslands of the Savanna than Yellowstone. However, in June and July, plan on wet feet the entire time, as the meadows are a swampy mess with many bugs.
An Unexpected Surprise
We arrived at the falls just in time to relax and enjoy our lunch before sampling the different hot pools. The entertainment highlight came as I was soaking, eyes closed, and feeling the mist on my face. To my surprise, I hear a big cowboy yell. As I looked up, I saw three cowboys wearing nothing but boots, boxers, and hats, dragging a cooler of beer trying not to fall down the steep hillside next to the creek. Hard to beat entertainment like that.
By 5 p.m., we decided it was time to hit the trail again and hike back to our car before our wives sent a search party for us. We arrived back at the trailhead just as it was getting dark and were home before midnight. I call that a day well spent.
Planning a Visit to Yellowstone National Park?
If you plan to visit Yellowstone, check out my previous post about the Great Fountain Geyser, and get a list of top things to do on your adventure. This example itinerary can help you plan your visit. Visit AllTrails for the latest trail information to Dunanda. Be prepared for a full day of adventure! View my Yellowstone Photography Gallery below and let me help you bring a piece of your adventure home. Feel free to explore more of my landscape photography gallery to help bring more nature into your home or office. Keep in touch by joining my email list and keep updated about my new and upcoming outdoor adventures!
