World of Waterfalls

Explore The World One Waterfall At A Time

Cascade Falls

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

About Cascade Falls

For Members Only. See Membership Options.
Jump to: Photos, Videos, Other Info
Jump to: Comments and Reviews
Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Cascade Falls (also known as The Cascades) starts off as a series of tumbling waterfalls and cascades through a dense forest in the Western Yosemite High Country.

However, as it gains momentum and combines with Tamarack Creek just below the Big Oak Flat Road, it plunges as an impressive 500ft waterfall before feeding the Merced River.

Turtleback_Dome_002_03192004 - Full view of Cascade Falls
Full view of Cascade Falls

I’d imagine this is probably the introductory waterfall for visitors entering the park through its western entrance at Arch Rock.

After all, going that route would result in this being the first major waterfall encountered in the park.

Usually, Bridalveil Fall plays that role for us since we typically enter the park from the southern entrance.

However, as you’ll see later on this page, it’s possible to stop for a quick scramble to get the photo you see at the top of this page before even entering the long tunnel to the Tunnel View.

Lower_Cascades_002_04292005 - Context of Cascade Falls as seen from perhaps its more familiar and official lookout just east of the west entrance to Yosemite
Context of Cascade Falls as seen from perhaps its more familiar and official lookout just east of the west entrance to Yosemite

Given this waterfall’s enormous size, we found it rather perplexing that it doesn’t seem to get the same amount of love as its neighbors further to the east in Yosemite Valley.

You must be subscribed to view this page. See Membership Options.

0 Comments
Maps and Routing Content are for annual members. See Membership Options.
Content is for members. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: oakhurst, el portal, mariposa, yosemite, merced, turtleback dome, wawona, tunnel, arch rock, big oak flat, california, waterfall, sierra



Visitor Comments:

Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...

No users have replied to the content on this page


Share your thoughts about what you've read on this page

You must be logged in to submit content. Refresh this page after you have logged in.

Visitor Reviews of this Waterfall:

If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...

Hiker 2020 Cascade Falls, California January 30, 2010 4:14 am by Tim - I visited these falls April 2005 and loved them. It's almost as good as Yosemite Falls but you have to be in the right place to view them Cascade Falls. I saw the same view as Johnny Cheng. Park at the Inspiration Point (near the tunnel) and carefully walk down the rockface northward to near… ...Read More

Have you been to a waterfall? Submit a write-up/review and share your experiences or impressions

Review A Waterfall

Nearest Waterfalls