Porcupine Falls
Wyoming · 75-foot drop · Bighorn National Forest · Last verified 2026-05-23
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Porcupine Falls is a 75-foot plunge on Porcupine Creek in the Bighorn National Forest, reached by a steep 0.8-mile trail with 90+ stairs from a trailhead off US-14A. The deep pool at the base is one of the better swimming holes in the Bighorns — though at 8,200 ft elevation the water stays cold all summer. Trailhead road is closed by snow November through May.
The trail
0.8 miles each way, rated moderate with 364 feet of elevation gain. Porcupine Falls Trailhead lot off FR-13, accessed via US-14A from Lovell. Free.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcupine Falls (this page) | — | 75 ft | moderate · 0.8 mi | Y | Free |
| Bucking Mule Falls | 3 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Melody Falls | 7 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Shell Falls | 24 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Bridal Veil Falls | 70 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Calamity Falls | 81 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~75 ft)
- Big Bradley Falls75 ft
- Curtain Falls75 ft
- Dead Point Falls75 ft
- Drift Creek Falls75 ft
- Great Falls75 ft
Same best season in Wyoming
- Gibbon Falls84 ft
- Hidden Falls100 ft
- Kepler Cascades150 ft
- Moose Falls30 ft
- Silver Cord Cascade1,214 ft
Questions visitors ask about Porcupine Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Porcupine Falls?
Porcupine Falls is 75 feet (22.9 m) tall. Height is sourced from USFS Bighorn.
Is Porcupine Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Porcupine Falls is inside Bighorn National Forest. See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Porcupine Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Bighorn National Forest permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
Can you swim at Porcupine Falls?
Porcupine Falls has a swimmable area. Deep, clear pool at the base — one of the better swimming holes in the Bighorns. Cold year-round at 8,200 ft elevation.
When is the best time to visit Porcupine Falls?
Peak flow is typically June, July, August, September. Season-wise: summer. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Porcupine Falls?
No entrance fee. Bighorn National Forest is free to access. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is Porcupine Falls from a major city?
Porcupine Falls is 40 miles from Lovell (about 60 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in Wyoming
Where it is
44.8556, -107.9150
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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