A Sierra Nevada Springtime Tradition
Spring in the Sierra. A season of anticipation, new opportunities and the sound of roaring water deep in the canyons and off the mountainsides. It is a season of mixed opportunities for the outdoor explorer. In many areas you can still find incredible snow to ski and snowshoe. In other areas the dirt is showing through and the hiking season has begun.
For me it is the waterfall chasing season. I am a nut for waterfalls and roaring cascades. I don’t need every waterfall to drop 100 feet to enjoy the rivers roar and crashing cascades. As soon as the roads start to open up over the passes or I can schedule a trip to Yosemite, I start seeking out water and all the places it cascades off the mountain.
On the eastern side of the Sierra and in the Tahoe basin, waterfalls are very easy to find and see without leaving your car in some cases. And of course in Yosemite you can park and take the bus to various different waterfall locations such as Bridal Veil falls and Yosemite Falls. Once the Scenic routes clear some of my favorite spring days are following the water on short hikes on the side of the road to see where the water is rushing on seasonal canyons. Ebbett’s Pass and Sonora Pass are filled with locations that have to be seen in the spring.
Spring snow-melt feeds lakes and reservoirs annually in the Sierra Nevada. But for this explorer the chase of Early season flows is an epic adventure. Some Outdoor explorers like mountain peaks, I am a waterfall chaser!
Here is a gallery of some of my favorite waterfalls in the Sierra.
Lake Tahoe Waterfalls
Cascade Creek Falls – A must-see, Cascade Creek Falls Trail offers a moderate mile-long path with lavish ferns and wildflowers along the way.
Eagle Falls – is set against the backdrop of iconic Emerald Bay. There are the lower or upper falls – both equally beautiful.
Glen Alpine Falls – With 65 feet of layered drops, the stair-step, snow-fed stream setting of Glen Alpine Falls above Fallen Leaf Lake is perfect for pictures.
Horsetail Falls – If you’ve ever taken Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe, then chances are you’ve seen a magnificent crashing waterfall to the north just as you’re approaching Twin Bridges. This is Horsetail Falls, created by Pyramid Creek flowing down the steep glacier-carved granite faces of Desolation Wilderness. Its 800-foot drop makes it the largest waterfall in the Tahoe area and a wonder to be witnessed.
Fontanillis Lake Falls – It might be five miles to reach the waterfall with a 150-foot cascade that drops from Fontanillis Lake to Upper Velma Lake. This is a must see in spring and early summer months.
Bassi Falls – (Eldorado County off HWY 50) a 109′ tall Bassi Falls is located in the Crystal Basin area of the El Dorado National Forest. These gorgeous falls at peak Springtime flow crash over enormous boulders and the water sheets over huge, flat slabs of granite.
Yosemite Waterfalls
Some of the most recognizable waterfalls in the world. Yosemite waterfalls draw millions of visitors every year. Here is our list of the 12 best waterfalls in Yosemite National Park.
- Nevada Fall – Mist trail – This spectacular 594′ waterfall is just above Vernal Falls on the Mist or John Muir trail.
- Vernal Fall – Mist trail – Possibly the most famous of Yosemite Waterfall hikes up out of the valley Vernal is spectacular and wet if you decide to get close.
- Tuolumne Fall – Upper Tuolumne a Short 6 mile hike towards Glen Aulin high camp in Tuolumne will take your breath away when you see this waterfall.
- Yosemite Falls – Yosemite Valley – What else can be said about the largest waterfall in California. Stunning from every angle in the park.
- Bridal Veil Fall – Yosemite Valley – Could be on my personal all time top three waterfall spots. Love this free fall splash zone.
- Wapama Falls – Hetch Hetchy – By far the most surprising waterfall of the bunch. Scene from the dam at Hetch Hetchy, you have no idea of its size or power unless you walk to it and cross the bridge.
- White Cascade – Glen Aulin High Camp – Smaller than Tuolumne up above, but just as gorgeous. Possibly the coldest swimming hole in Yosemite
- Waterwheel Falls – Grand Canyon Yosemite – Just keep hiking. Because this special beauty will test your resolve when you choose to return.
- Ribbon Falls – Yosemite Valley
- Chilnualna Falls – Wawona
- Illilouette Fall – Glacier Point To JMT
- Cascade Falls – Yosemite Valley
Other Regional Favorites
Lundy Canyon Water fall – Hoover Wilderness
Rainbow Falls – Ansel Adams Wilderness
Levitt Falls – Sonora Pass
Deadman Creek Falls – Sonora Pass
