A Stunning 1%
By Tyrel Murri
First Waterfall at Union Falls
In the world of national parks, Idaho is the little brother who got invited along because mom didn't have time to find a baby-sitter. Oh, it does have claim to part of the nation's first and most famous one, but that claim includes a whopping 1%. You would think the citizens of Idaho would complain that it was left a little short on the whole divide. They About an hour west of Ashton, ID, in the far southwest portion of the great national park, lies one of the best kept secrets of the state; the little hike up to Union Falls.
The hike is a relatively long one, measuring a little over 7.5 miles one way. The journey, however long it may feel, leads to one of the most stunning waterfalls in the park. The mostly horizontal trip travels through the heart of a forest of trees, surrounded by a number of mountains, and a few lazy streams. The unobservant eye would see the natural beauty of Yellowstone being displayed in God's greatest art exhibit. The observant eye may see a bit more. In one particular section of the hike, you come to a convergence of two streams. This in itself is nothing special, until you notice the color of the streams. One stream appears like the natural waters that covers much of Idaho, a cool dirty blue, warning of winter runoff still catching up to its earlier departed family members. The other stream, however, parallels the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The subtle turquoise green mixes coolly with the darker blue stream, then slowly disappears. Many hikers will think nothing of it, but the misplaced water will eventually treat the hikers to an experience they'll never forget.
As the trail winds closer to the falls, a faint hint of the cascade begins to fill the otherwise quiet surroundings. About 1.5 miles out, the trail forks. If you go to the east, you'll begin to climb up the side of a hill, taking a number of switchbacks before the trail levels out. At the end of this fork, a wide canyon is seen, with a 256 foot waterfall filling the air with thundering mist. At the top of the waterfall, two large streams converge, creating the aptly named Union. Hikers can picnic on the many surrounding boulders, or if they dare, hike down the somewhat slippery descent leading to the falls. Those that are brave can walk directly under the frigid winter runoff and witness a truly heavenly experience.
The hike is a relatively long one, measuring a little over 7.5 miles one way. The journey, however long it may feel, leads to one of the most stunning waterfalls in the park. The mostly horizontal trip travels through the heart of a forest of trees, surrounded by a number of mountains, and a few lazy streams. The unobservant eye would see the natural beauty of Yellowstone being displayed in God's greatest art exhibit. The observant eye may see a bit more. In one particular section of the hike, you come to a convergence of two streams. This in itself is nothing special, until you notice the color of the streams. One stream appears like the natural waters that covers much of Idaho, a cool dirty blue, warning of winter runoff still catching up to its earlier departed family members. The other stream, however, parallels the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The subtle turquoise green mixes coolly with the darker blue stream, then slowly disappears. Many hikers will think nothing of it, but the misplaced water will eventually treat the hikers to an experience they'll never forget.
As the trail winds closer to the falls, a faint hint of the cascade begins to fill the otherwise quiet surroundings. About 1.5 miles out, the trail forks. If you go to the east, you'll begin to climb up the side of a hill, taking a number of switchbacks before the trail levels out. At the end of this fork, a wide canyon is seen, with a 256 foot waterfall filling the air with thundering mist. At the top of the waterfall, two large streams converge, creating the aptly named Union. Hikers can picnic on the many surrounding boulders, or if they dare, hike down the somewhat slippery descent leading to the falls. Those that are brave can walk directly under the frigid winter runoff and witness a truly heavenly experience.
Second Water Fall at Union Falls
Once the sensation of the falls wears off, the hikers will make their way back down to the fork. Many unfortunate people disregard the “unappealing” second fork and make their way back to their cars and homes. Those that take the other route soon find out what made the prior stream remind them of the many warm tropical waters that punctuate traveler's brochures. Less than a mile down the trail, another falls is seen. This one is much smaller than Union, but every bit as special. The water falls over a 10 foot high cliff into an equally deep natural pool. This, in itself is exciting, but even more so is the fact that further up the stream a geological spring warms the water to a very comfortable temperature. Often, when the rest of the trip's water will literally numb the hiker, this water feels like a Holiday Inn outdoor pool. Hikers will conveniently find the surrounding rocks perfect for jumping, and will not have to worry about reaching the bottom of the pool. The refreshing dip can re-energize any weary hiker to make the remaining trip back to the car.
The hike offers an appealing all-day hike with little travel involved to reach the trail-head. And while many of Yellowstone's visitors will have to pay the minimum $50 entrance fee, those finding this little hike will be glad to see nothing that resembles a ranger station with a hand asking for change. Union Falls truly represents Yellowstone well, and makes Idaho proud of its little 1% that it claims.
The hike offers an appealing all-day hike with little travel involved to reach the trail-head. And while many of Yellowstone's visitors will have to pay the minimum $50 entrance fee, those finding this little hike will be glad to see nothing that resembles a ranger station with a hand asking for change. Union Falls truly represents Yellowstone well, and makes Idaho proud of its little 1% that it claims.
