Lost Creek Falls is an easy 2 mile hike in northern Yellowstone National Park that passes Lost Lake on its way to a gorgeous vantage point of a 40-foot waterfall.
Lost Creek Falls Trail Description
The hike to Lost Creek Falls begins at the back of the parking lot for the Petrified Forest parking lot. You’ll drop from the parking area into a small canyon that follows a small creek upstream. As the trail opens up into a large grassy meadow at the bottom of the shallow canyon, you’ll continue winding along the bottom of a large hill on the left. Shortly after, Lost Lake comes into view.
Lost Lake extends into for about a quarter-mile as the opposite canyon wall becomes steeper and rockier. Along the way you’re treated to serene views of Yellowstone’s backcountry, the road noise and crowds feeling far away.
At the other end of the lake, you’ll continue up a meadow before entering thickening woods. Here you’ll cross a small footbridge followed by an obsolete junction due to flood damage. After the forest becomes more dense, you’ll pass through another meadow where you’ll begin to hear the rushing sounds of Lost Creek.
Lost Creek becomes more visible through the trees and woods as you make your way upstream along the creek, perched above on the canyon rim. You’ll soon reach a creek crossing via another footbridge, where you’ll then proceed downstream along the creek, but high above. You’ll weave through the tranquil forest as the rush of the creek never fades. Reaching a glaring precipice high above the distant landscape, you’re able to find a comfortable view of Lost Creek Falls pouring through cliffs below.
It should go without saying that you should use extreme caution on the cliff’s edges. Erosion can happen quickly, so play it safe.
Getting There
From Roosevelt Lodge/Tower Junction, head west on Grand Loop Road for 1.4 miles. Turn left to access the Petrified Tree, and park at the end of the parking lot.