About Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls is a named waterfall in Platte County, Wyoming, located about 23 miles northwest of Wheatland. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Cottonwood Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 42°18′45″ N, 105°14′39″ W (42.31253, -105.24407). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Held Creek (stream, 0.2 mi), Dagley Creek (stream, 0.8 mi), and Preacher Creek (stream, 1.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Duck Creek Falls, 23 miles to the south.
More Photos
6 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Cottonwood Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Cottonwood Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Cottonwood Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Cottonwood Falls holds a 3.0 average from 2 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Cottonwood Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Held Creek — stream, 0.2 mi
- Dagley Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Preacher Creek — stream, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 42.31253, -105.24407. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Cottonwood Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cottonwood Falls located?
Cottonwood Falls is in Platte County, Wyoming, about 23 miles northwest of Wheatland. Its coordinates are 42.31253, -105.24407 (42°18′45″ N, 105°14′39″ W).
What town is closest to Cottonwood Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Wheatland, WY, about 23 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Cottonwood Falls?
The closest is Duck Creek Falls (23 mi south). Others within reach include Wagon Hound Falls (27 mi), Le Vasseur Falls (34 mi), and Little Medicine Falls (39 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Cottonwood Falls?
Cottonwood Falls appears on the USGS Cottonwood Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.