It is easy to get that special picture of a life time and stay safe in the process.
The walkway over the dam is closed to pedestrian traffic due to the high water dangers but there are two areas that will access the beauty and power of this awesome event. Because of the mist, many of the rocks are wet and slippery. To stay safe, avoid free climbing over the rocks. The marked trails will get you the photographs you are looking for and keep you safe. Take a friend or buddy with you, too. They will enjoy the views and vistas and together you will be even safer.
The easiest and most direct route is to park at the top of Pathfinder trail and look out area. The parking lot is located directly south and east from the turn into Pathfinder Reservoir. From the parking lot you can hike along the marked trail. You can cross the suspension bridge over the North Platte River. Continue up the trail to the North and you can look across at the spillway, the needle valves of the dam and the water flowing over the dam.
If you turn into the Cardwell fishing area, crossing the North Platte River Bridge, follow the dirt road past the kiosk then turn to the right on the dirt road that leads you below Pathfinder Dam. You will find a parking lot near the point of the suspension bridge. From this area you can hike the trail to the north and access views of the spillway.
Map to Pathfinder from Casper
Pathfinder Trail Map