COVERT CASCADES: LESSER-KNOWN YOSEMITE WATERFALLS
These lesser-known Yosemite waterfalls are agua from heaven for the dedicated nature buff, and visiting them can take you from casual tourist to cascade connoisseur over the course of a day. From the hidden falls located well outside of Yosemite Valley, to the seasonal ones that appear with the melting snow, there are many falls that grace Yosemite other than Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls.
Here is our guide to some of the lesserknown Yosemite waterfalls.
CHILNUALNA FALLS
Location: Wawona in Southern Yosemite
Drop: 690 ft, multiple tiers
For those looking to get off the beaten path, Chilnualna (“Chil-noo-all-na”) Falls is the one for you, as it is tucked back into the small community of Wawona. Look for a small parking area behind the office for The Redwoods in Yosemite vacation rentals and follow the remainder of the road on foot. Wawona is a community, so please treat the neighborhood as your own and avoid parking in driveways or on the street.
SENTINEL FALLS Location: Yosemite Valley Drop: Multiple cascades from 50 to 500 ft, totaling 2,000 ft
Tumbling like a giant flume from the south rim of Yosemite Valley, this seasonal cascade drops nearly as far as its more famous counterpart across the way, Yosemite Falls. No serious hiking required, views can be had at Leidig Meadow, the FourMile Trailhead or at the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area along the beautiful Merced River.
RIBBON FALL
Location: Yosemite Valley Drop: 1,612 ft, single drop
As the longest single-drop waterfall in North America, you’d think Ribbon Fall would be a household name. Its seasonal flow and lack of a trail leading to its base make this towering free-fall easy to overlook yet a highlight of Yosemite’s lesserknown waterfalls. Tucked between massive granite faces just west of El Capitan, Ribbon Fall can be seen from various turnouts along Southside and Northside Roads.
ILLILOUETTE FALL
Location: Yosemite Valley / Glacier Point Road
Drop: 370 ft
Visible only to hikers after a two-mile hike from Glacier Point along the Panorama Trail, Illilouette Fall feels secluded as it plunges through a small canyon with its rocky companion Liberty Cap looming in the distance. Hikers should be in good shape and prepared for the steep climb back. If you’ve got stamina, you can continue on and connect to the Mist Trail where more views of Illilouette Fall can be found below Vernal Fall.
JACKSON FALLS
Location: Fish Camp Drop: Three-tier
Finding the trailhead to Jackson Falls can be a bit tricky, but the payoff of three granitecarved pools is worth the effort. Along Highway 41 just south of the entrance to Tenaya at Yosemite, turn onto Jackson Road/Big Sandy (Road 6S67) leading to the Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures. Go two miles to an abandoned fruit orchard and an old driveway that leads to a cabin at the trailhead for Jackson Hole/Lewis Fork Ditch. The trail travels .5 miles to the lowest pool at Jackson Falls. To continue, follow a manageable path creekside up to the next two granite-bowl swimming holes for 2.5 miles round-trip.
TIPS FOR THE MIST
• Waterfall mist can be heavy, so be sure to wear a rainproof jacket or poncho with hood.
• Never enter pools above waterfalls (for obvious reasons).
• Never stand directly beneath a waterfall — falling rocks can come down with water.
• Check for peak flow to avoid disappointment — seasonal waterfalls often run dry
• Protect camera gear with a plastic bag or waterproof sleeve and bring a small rag to wipe mist from your lens.