Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Waterfall Trail may be the most scenic and enjoyable of the hiking trails inside Beaver Dam State Park. Beginning behind an unsigned metal post at the far end of the main park road, the Waterfall Trail gradually gains about 225 feet in elevation over its 0.75-mile course. The trail follows a clear course paralleling a tree-lined creek as it meanders up a narrowing canyon, reaching just a short distance from the Utah border. 

The route passes remnants of past Civilian Conservation Corps pools and developments, crossing the stream several times before first reaching a 28-foot waterfall. While the waterfall pool offers a quiet stop along the hike, those that continue past the falls up a steep rocky climb will soon find themselves at a natural warm spring that has been routed into the adjacent creek where it mixes and falls into several smooth pools shaped and formed by the CCC. The pools are perfect for bathing, though even with the warm water mixing, the tubs are cool enough to be much more desireable on a hot day than on a cool evening.

The wind in the trees and the general lack of visitors to Beaver Dam ensure an idyllic hike and soak for those who visit the Waterfall Trail. From the waterfall and springs, retrace the route back to the trailhead.

There are no amenities along the trail. Seasonal water is available in the park's campgrounds.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Varied natural features along the hike.

Cons

Requires a river crossing.

Features

Picnic tables
Natural
Wildlife
Family friendly
Wildflowers
Near lake or river
Historically significant

Access

Hike-in

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.