So i went on my first organized trail run last weekend. I had a blast! Unfortunately i have since noticed that i have a small coolant leak. I filled my reservoir tank yesterday and it appeared to be leaking from the circled area. Now the level is at the blue line. Also my heater is not working and i am hearing the "waterfall" sound. I also notice steam pouring out when im at a stop. Tonight i am going to tighten the bleeder screw (could be leaking from there maybe?) and burp the system. Also my radiator is full. The fluid in there is kind of a dark orange (Don't know if thats normal). Any help would be great. If i can't correct it myself this weekend then i will have to suck it up and take it to the dealer on Monday. I have a 2012 JKU Sahara, 35K miles.

Thanks,
Colin

 

Pretty sure that's the overflow drain. Which means coolent isn't circulating properly. The waterfall sounds and steam from the radiator are from antifreeze coming out if that drain. I would check your water pump to see if it's still turning properly. If that's not it you might have something blocked in the radiator
Edit just re read your post check your heater core

 

Where is the steam coming from?

When I had this issue, it was the head gasket. Not saying that this is the case for you but I experienced the same symptoms (without the leaking from the overflow).

 

The item you circled in your first pic is as noted the coolant recovery tank overflow. It's very likely in your trail run you sloshed coolant out that overflow tube. I'd just top it up (use the right type coolant) and watch it for awhile. If it stabilizes there's no other issue.

Editorial comment: why would a manufacturer use a wet cell battery and open coolant reservoir on an off road vehicle? Because no one was home in engineering when the boss's idiot son got loose on "bring your kid to work day"

 

This was my first thought. Sounds like you cooling system is getting pressurized from a leaky head gasket.

 

I had the same issue....it ended up being a head gasket.

 

Dark orange sounds like HOAT coolant.

Fyi pay very close attention to coolant type Jeep changed from HOAT to OAT in 2012 if my memory serves me right. There's plenty threads on this here on JKF.

My 08 is HOAT and looking at fluid in rad it looks dark orange, shine a light on you recovery tank it will look much lighter. New it's very bright orange.

Mixing the wrong coolant can cause a funny chemical reaction....gel.

Good luck with tracking down the culprit