The Lower Cascade Falls Trail at Uncompahgre National Forest in Ouray, Colorado is a moderate 0.3-mile out-and-back hike that leads to the stunning ~330-foot tall waterfall known as Lower Cascade Falls.
Hike
This hike begins at the end of the steep dirt road, 8th Ave in Ouray and follows the main trail uphill toward the waterfall. The trail is fairly steep, mostly dirt, with some rocks. It reaches a pavilion or picnic area just a few-hundred feet from the trailhead where hikers will find a beautiful downstream view of the waterfall. If you don't wish to hike any further, you don't have to, but the views from the base of the falls is much more impressive. The trail then leads across Cascade Creek via a footbridge before it continues heading eastward uphill toward the waterfall. Around mile 0.15, hikers will reach the base of Lower Cascade Falls where it plunges over the mountain cliffs at about 330-feet tall. The waterfall causes plenty of misting as the plumes of spray flow down the creek toward hikers downstream. After taking in the views (and photos) of Lower Cascade Falls, the trail leads back to parking for a short 0.3-mile out-and-back hike.
Restrooms
There are restrooms at the trailhead as of June 2024.
Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the end of 8th Ave in Ouray at the dead end of the road. The lot is large enough to fit more than a dozen vehicles as of June 2024.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and should be cleaned up after.
Hike
This hike begins at the end of the steep dirt road, 8th Ave in Ouray and follows the main trail uphill toward the waterfall. The trail is fairly steep, mostly dirt, with some rocks. It reaches a pavilion or picnic area just a few-hundred feet from the trailhead where hikers will find a beautiful downstream view of the waterfall. If you don't wish to hike any further, you don't have to, but the views from the base of the falls is much more impressive. The trail then leads across Cascade Creek via a footbridge before it continues heading eastward uphill toward the waterfall. Around mile 0.15, hikers will reach the base of Lower Cascade Falls where it plunges over the mountain cliffs at about 330-feet tall. The waterfall causes plenty of misting as the plumes of spray flow down the creek toward hikers downstream. After taking in the views (and photos) of Lower Cascade Falls, the trail leads back to parking for a short 0.3-mile out-and-back hike.
Restrooms
There are restrooms at the trailhead as of June 2024.
Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the end of 8th Ave in Ouray at the dead end of the road. The lot is large enough to fit more than a dozen vehicles as of June 2024.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and should be cleaned up after.
