Dunanda Falls

Bechler Ranger Station, Bechler Meadows Trail to the Boundary Creek Trail, across Bechler Meadows to the spur trail to the Dunanda Falls overlooks

American Southwest gives 8.4 miles one way to Dunanda Falls and 17 miles round trip to visit both Dunanda and Silver Scarf Falls. Hiking Project places the Silver Scarf Falls view at 8.5 miles, with the Dunanda spur just past it. Returning by the longer Bechler Meadows Trail adds about half a mile, per American Southwest.

Mostly flat, with about 350 feet of climbing near the end. Several stream crossings, some on footbridges and some that need wading; Bartlett Slough can be fairly deep. Early summer brings deeper creeks, marshy sections and many mosquitoes. Bear country.

Where to start

Bechler River Ranger Station, at the end of a 24-mile road from Ashton, Idaho, the last 12 miles of which are unpaved.

Timing & water

American Southwest lists late spring to fall. Hiking Project does not recommend it before late July because of high water at Bartlett Slough and Boundary Creek and mosquitoes.

Before you go

Yellowstone's private vehicle entrance pass is $35 for seven days, per the NPS; the fees page does not say how it is collected at Bechler. Day hiking needs no permit; overnight stays need a backcountry permit.