Lewis Falls Guide Before Visiting 2026 Updated

Lewis Falls is a waterfall in Lincoln County, Wyoming, about 19 miles southeast of Afton. This guide covers what to check, bring and expect before you go, using visitor ratings, official USGS records and live conditions for this exact location.

At a glance

Location

Lincoln County, WY

Nearest town

Afton (19 mi)

Coordinates

42.61615, -110.59214

USGS topo

Wyoming Peak quad

Getting there

Lewis Falls sits about 19 miles southeast of Afton in Lincoln County. Navigate to the coordinates 42.61615, -110.59214, which mark the waterfall itself; the trailhead or parking area may be some distance away.

Open directions in Google Maps or Apple Maps, or view the map on the Lewis Falls listing. Navigation apps sometimes route onto seasonal forest roads, so check road status if you are heading into the mountains.

Most of Wyoming's falls lie in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks or in national forests such as the Bridger-Teton, Shoshone and Bighorn, which brings entrance fees for the parks and busy summer parking at popular stops such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Jenny Lake. Grizzly and black bears inhabit the northwest and the Wind Rivers, so bear spray and good food storage are standard. In Yellowstone, stay on boardwalks and trails near thermal areas and keep well away from bison and elk. Canyon rims and wet rock around falls are dangerous, and snowmelt rivers are cold and swift. Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning are common in summer at high elevations.

What to bring

This checklist is tailored to Lewis Falls based on what visitors report and the conditions typical of Wyoming. For the complete list, see our waterfall hike packing guide.

• Offline map and coordinates. Save 42.61615, -110.59214 and download offline maps; cell service is often weak near waterfalls.
• Shoes with real grip. Rock near falling water stays wet and slick even in dry weather.
• Water and a snack. More than you think you need, even for a short walk.
• A light rain layer. Spray from the falls and quick-moving showers can soak you.
• Warm layers. Northern and mountain weather changes quickly; spring and fall mornings can be near freezing.
• Headlamp. In case your visit runs later than planned; check sunset time in the conditions panel above.

How to prepare

Timing

Wyoming's falls run highest with mountain snowmelt, generally from late May through early July, with peak flows a little later at higher elevations. Yellowstone's interior roads usually open to cars in spring and close in early November, so late May through October is the practical window for most park falls; in winter, the interior is reached mainly by snowcoach or snowmobile tours. The Bechler area is often wet and buggy in early summer, and river fords there are more manageable later in the season. Wind River backcountry falls are best visited from July into September, once trails melt out. September brings fewer crowds and golden aspens, though snow can arrive early at elevation.

Safety

Stay behind railings and off wet rock, never climb on the falls, and keep children within arm's reach near the water. Check the weather panel above for flood or storm alerts before you set out; water levels can rise fast after upstream rain. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.

Respect the place

Pack out everything you bring, stay on established paths to limit erosion, and leave rocks and plants where they are. See Leave No Trace at waterfalls.

History of the area

According to the U.S. Geological Survey's naming record: Named for Ray Lewis (1903-1983), who in 1922 with his parents, brothers, and sisters, settled W of Big Piney.

The federal gazetteer describes it this way: On Straight Creek, 2.9 km (1.8 mi) ENE of Wyoming Peak and 2.6 km (1.6 mi) NNW of Middle Piney Lake.

Lewis Falls was entered in the Geographic Names Information System on August 31, 1992, and it appears on the USGS Wyoming Peak 7.5-minute topographic map.

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names made a formal decision on its name on January 1, 1987.

Its neighbors on the map tell the story of the surrounding land: Middle Piney Reservoir (reservoir, 1.5 mi), Middle Piney Lake (lake, 1.6 mi), Mount Coffin (summit, 1.8 mi), and Wyoming Peak (summit, 1.8 mi).

Wind River and Wyoming Ranges. The Wind River Range is a long granite spine with hundreds of lakes and glacier-carved valleys, and its falls are mostly in rugged backcountry. On the eastern side, Popo Agie Falls lies above Sinks Canyon near Lander, reached by a steady climbing trail in the Shoshone National Forest. On the western side, Sublette County's falls are found near Pinedale and the Green River Lakes area, including Clear Creek Falls near the Green River. The Wyoming Range to the west, around Afton and the Middle Piney Lake area, adds falls in less-visited forest country. Long approaches and high elevations make many of these summer-only destinations.

Nearby waterfalls to add to your trip

Summary

Lewis Falls about 19 miles southeast of Afton is a documented waterfall in the federal gazetteer. Check the live forecast and stream gauge above, save the coordinates for offline use, and pack for wet, uneven ground. Ratings, hours and access can change, so confirm conditions with the land manager before you drive out.

See the full Lewis Falls listing for the map, photos and nearby landmarks.