Yellowstone National Park - Tower Falls

First photographed by William Henry Jackson in 1871, Tower Fall has captivated the imaginations of explorers, travelers and even legislators for more than 140 years. When Jackson and artist Thomas Moran returned from the Yellowstone area in 1871 and shared their photographs and paintings with Congress of Tower Fall, among others, they caused quite a stir. The beauty of the landscape led Congress to create Yellowstone National Park, the country's and world's first national park, in 1872.

Located in the northeastern part of Yellowstone near Tower Junction, the fall plunges a stunning 132 feet. The unusual rock columns north of the fall were created by lava flow that cracked as it cooled. And interestingly enough, up until 1986, visitors could see a large boulder perched on the edge of where the fall drops. It fell victim to gravity in June 1986, but if you see Jackson's photo of the Tower Fall, you'll spot the boulder.

Stopped at Calcite Springs Overlook on the way to the Tower Falls trailhead. I hiked past the Tower Falls viewpoint down to the creek below the falls.

Looking down the Yellowstone River from Calcite Springs Overlook
Looking down the Yellowstone River from Calcite Springs Overlook
Looking down Tower Creek below Tower Falls
Looking down Tower Creek below Tower Falls

Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park

Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park

Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park