Straight Ahead to Straight Down
29 Hours of Hiking and Waterfalls in the Yellowstone Backcountry
Words and photography by Blair Waller
A map was slapped on the counter on a Wednesday at work. The map displayed the remote southwest corner of Yellowstone. The man with the proposal, Bo Elledge, asked, “Plans this weekend?” With mere weeks left in the Jackson summer, who was I to decline? With that, we bolted dodge at 3:30 PM Saturday, headed for my inaugural backpacking excursion.
Dunanda Falls – An inspiring natural phenomenon in the national parkAs with any first time experience, there will be setbacks. The first of which came as we attempted to make it the Backcountry office to obtain our backpacking permit. The office closed at 4:30 PM and, yes, we were tardy. As a result, we camped out at Lewis Lake, primed to hit the office first thing the following morning. We did so and made it the Cave Falls Trailhead by noon Sunday.
The first leg of the trip saw us traipsing through seemingly even-spaced lodge pole pine trees. To our right, the slick rustle of both Cave and Bechler Falls, as well as the in between white capped waters, provided a serene soundtrack. Bechler Meadows followed, where we found ourselves suddenly small amidst the miles of yellow grain. After a few more miles (15 in all from the start) and bridges, we arrived at our destination: Dunanda Falls.
Dunanda, Shoshone for “straight down”, drops 150 feet. At the base lies a thermal hot spring where we soaked under the mist of the falls. Naturally, we crashed soon afterwards at our nearby camp site. The morning yielded yet another dip in the spring (and why the hell not?) before a short hike to the aptly named Silver Scarf Falls. This cascading beauty mingles with a series of thermal spots (not for swimming but aesthetically pleasing). Not the waterfall supernova of Dunanda but uniquely striking.
The trip back (a different route than the one there) was less a couple bridges. Changing footwear was a must as we crossed, treading waist deep, packs overhead. Yet another obstacle hit us in the mouth as our water purifier somehow broke. Less conversation was one result over the last 4 miles or so. Needless to say, the water pump at the Bechler Ranger Station was a beacon of life. This was crucial for the last leg (approximately 3 miles) back to the car at Cave Falls.
The denouement of the trip was fitting. We skirted along the edge of a thunderstorm as we rode through the rolling Idaho farmlands. It was an impromptu weekend for the books. In summation, if you dig waterfalls, hot springs, solitude and a bit of a challenge – do Dunanda.
The Adventure in Photos
The sun sets over a tranquil Lewis Lake.
A Yellowstone Barbeque
Sparks, flames, fire and fun.
A thermal stream converges with Boundary Creek.
The view of Bechler Falls.
The spa in Yellowstone.
Word to the wise.. string up everything with a scent 100 yards from your tent.
Timeout at the fork.
A trip worth the view.
The sun sets over a tranquil Lewis Lake.
A Yellowstone Barbeque
Sparks, flames, fire and fun.
A thermal stream converges with Boundary Creek.
The view of Bechler Falls.
The spa in Yellowstone.
Word to the wise.. string up everything with a scent 100 yards from your tent.
Timeout at the fork.
A trip worth the view.
The 43rd Annual Shriner’s Cutter Races
Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); The 43rd Annual Shriner's Cutter Races Previewed By: Adam Glos Saturday, February 15th // Sunday, February 16th Melody Ranch // Jackson, WY 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm General Admission: $15 This weekend, give your ski legs a break and make your way down to Melody Ranch for the 43rd Annual Cutter Races. Sponsored by the Jackson Hole Shrine Club and ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); The 2014 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Sponsored By: Skinny Skis Previewed By: Adam Glos Saturday, Feb. 8th / 8 pm // Sunday, Feb 9th / 7 pm Jackson Hole High School Auditorium Tickets: $12 each night / $20 for both nights Every year in November, thousands of outdoor enthusiasts descend upon the little town of Banff nestled deep ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 2014 Coldsmoke Awards Previewed By: Stephen Williams Saturday January, 18th Emerson Cultural Center, Bozeman MT North of the Sun - Filmhuset AS Never Not Part 2 - Nike Valhalla - Sweetgrass Productions Previous Photos
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 03/10/14 - 2nd Annual Ski Joring Championships Written and Photographed By: Stephen Williams Ski Joring is an event with a perfect mix of Jackson Hole's historic cowboy culture and the new ski bum lifestyle. Presented by the Shriner's Club as a part of Jackson hole Winterfest, the skier lassos up the horse and rider and hangs ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Canyon Kids Release Double EP Written By: Adam Glos Photos by: Christie Quinn In case you missed it, the debut album from Canyon Kids hit the electronic shelves recently, proving once again that the small town of Jackson has some serious talent up its sleeves. Canyon Kids is a musical byproduct and collaboration spearheaded by local musicians Dusty ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); < Head for the Hills Previewed By: Ellie Stratton-Brook Thursday March, 6th Town Square Tavern // Jackson, WY 9:00pm // Tickets: $10 // Buy Tickets Online Although you may have seen many bluegrass bands around these parts, Head for the Hills maintains a unique sound that combines a jam band attitude with catchy lyrics and sophisticated tunes. Hailing from Colorado, ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 02/23/24 - A skier flies off a jump being pulled behind a horse racing down a track at Melody Ranch just south of Jackson for the 2nd Annual Ski Joring. Photographer: Stephen Williams Previous Photos
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The 2nd Annual North American Skijoring Championships
Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); The 2nd Annual North American Skijoring Championships Previewed By: Adam Glos Saturday, February 22nd - 12:00pm 1 Sunday, February 23rd - 11:00am Melody Ranch // Jackson, WY General Admission: $10 // Kids 12 and Under: FREE If you found yourself having oodles of fun at last week’s Cutter Races, then you’re sure to be entertained by the JH Shrine Club’s ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); The 2014 KHOL 89.1fm Winter Membership Drive Previewed By: John Leonard February 11th - February 17th Call 307.733.5465 to Donate Visit www.891khol.org Member Appreciation Party w/ El Ten Eleven Live at the Center for the Arts Sunday February, 23rd The voice of Jackson Hole, 89.1 KHOL, is kicking off their 2014 Winter Membership Drive February 11th-17th. The listener supported station is coming ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Infamous Stringdusters Tuesday February, 11th Mangy Moose // Teton Village, WY 9:00pm // Tickets: $20 Sweethogs and Swinehearts Ball with Infamous Stringdusters Previewed By: Matt Herron Wednesday February, 12th Mangy Moose // Teton Village, WY 9:00pm // Tickets: $25 Before making reservations at McDonald’s or buying Dollar Store chocolates for Valentine’s Day, dirtbags of Jackson get to do something sweet for themselves at ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race Previewed By: Kori Price Race Kick Off Friday January, 31st Town Square // 6:30pm Fireworks and Torchlight Parade Snow King Resort // 8:00pm If you haven't already noticed the dog sled signs on every street corner in East Jackson, get ready for the truckloads of snow that's about to be hauled in to make ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Drop IN: Bloody Couloir Do What You Love Previewed By: Adam Glos Tuesday January, 28th Pink Garter Theatre // Jackson, WY 7:00 pm // Q&A with Jeremy Mcghee to Follow $10 Suggested Donation // 25% of Proceeds Benefit Teton Adaptive Sports Every so often, we catch of glimpse of inspiring moments that fill us with a sense of urge to get ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Last of the First Skiers Presented by Mark Jenkins Previewed By: Lindley Rust Thursday January, 23rd Center for the Arts // Jackson, WY 6:00 pm // FREE For most of us living in Jackson, WY skiing is a sport, not a means of hunting and gathering for our livelihood. For the tribal people deep in the Altai Mountains of Central ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 01/22/14 - The 2014 Coldsmoke Awards Written By: Ellie Stratton-Brook Photography By: Stephen Williams Have you ever been asked why you choose to live in a town where the temperature rarely rises above 20 degrees for a full six months? Typically the answer is universal. The pull of winter sports and exploration in these gorgeous mountains is ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 2013/2014 Backcountry Film Festival Previewed By: Matt Herron Saturday January, 11th Pink Garter Theatre 5:30 (All-Ages) / 8:00pm (21+) $10 (Kids 12 and under are FREE) / Buy Tickets Online This Saturday January 11, the Wyoming Wilderness Association in partnership with the Winter Wildlands Alliance will be hosting the 9th annual Backcountry Film Festival at the Pink Garter Theater. As ... Read More
Photo of the Day – Ira Glass at the Center for the Arts
Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 01/05/14 - Ira Glass speaking Saturday evening at the Center for the Arts. Ira's intriguing and humorous discussion focused on the history and production process of NPR's This American Life, a radio show devoted to creative story telling and thought-provoking narratives. Photographer: Adam Glos Previous Photos
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass Previewed By: Lindley Rust Saturday January, 4th Center for the Arts 5:00pm & 8:00pm (Both Shows are Sold Out) *Call the Center Box Office to put your name on the wait list. 307-733-4900 Whether you immediately recognize his name, or just know you’ve “heard it somewhere” you can most likely recall the ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Written By: Lindley Rust The time has come to shred pow, jam good tunes, drink beer, ring in the new year, and make some resolutions that are sure to last two weeks. Whether you’re spending the evening in Jackson, Teton Village, or Wydaho, you shouldn’t have any trouble in finding a good time! There are ... Read More
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Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Asleep at the Wheel Previewed By: Matt Herron Sunday December, 30th Pink Garter Theatre 8:30pm / $35 / Buy Tickets Online What makes Jackson’s music scene great these days is the diversity coming through our venues and bars. Mountain towns will always have a fair share of great reggae and jam-band acts passing through their snowy streets but it ... Read More
