A moderate 10-mile backcountry hike to a remote waterfall entering the Gros Ventre Wilderness.
No fee documented for trail access
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Shoal Falls is a remote waterfall reached via a moderate 10-mile round-trip hike in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The route departs from Swift Creek Trailhead and climbs from 6,797 to 7,880 feet elevation over 5 miles, concluding at the base of the falls where the trail enters the Gros Ventre Wilderness.
This is a destination for committed backcountry hikers seeking solitude and wilderness experience rather than a quick family outing. The moderate difficulty rating reflects the sustained elevation gain and trail condition rather than technical scrambling. No official waterfall height is published by USFS.
Shoal Falls serves as an entry point to the Gros Ventre Wilderness, making it attractive to backpackers planning multi-day trips. The remote location and lack of day-use crowds distinguish it from more popular Wind River Country waterfall destinations. Verify conditions and stream crossings before visiting, especially during spring runoff, when water levels may be high. No trail fee is documented.
Summer and early fall. Verify wilderness access conditions and stream crossings before visiting.
If you prefer established trails, shorter distances, or day-hike turnoffs; this is a destination for committed backcountry hikers.
Gros Ventre Wilderness offers additional backpacking and high-altitude hiking options.
No fee documented for trail access
Via a 10-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.
We track 3 waterfalls in Wind River Country.
There is 1 other waterfall we track in Sublette. All Wind River Country waterfalls →
fs.usda.gov
USFS Bridger-Teton National Forest 'Shoal Falls Trail' recreation page (checked 2026-09-04): about 5 miles one-way (10-mile round trip; USFS lists one-way mileage, doubled here) from Swift Creek Trailhead to the base of the waterfall, moderate difficulty, elevation 6,797 to 7,880 ft, trail enters the Gros Ventre Wilderness at the falls. No official height figure, fee, or dog policy published; left null. No closure alert found as of check date.
Checked September 2026.