Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America. It is located inside Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, viewable from Yosemite Valley, and is one of the most popular attractions in the park. It is especially popular in the late spring, when the water flow is at its peak. The falls rise more than 2,300 feet from the top of the falls to the base, which qualifies it as the sixth highest in the world, which is up for debate due to a recent falls discovery. It is often referred to as a two stage drop, but really consists of three separate sections of falls that make up this natural wonder.

The upper falls goes down 1,390 feet, which makes it among the twenty highest waterfalls in the world, and there are many trails that lead to the top and the base of this part of the falls for those who want to get up close and personal with the natural beauty. The upper Yosemite Falls are formed by Yosemite Creek, and fall into the Cascades.

The Cascades is the second level of the falls, which consists of a series of smaller plunges and cascades that drop a total of 670 feet total. These are often overlooked because they are hard to get to and not easily seen from the access points that you can find for the falls.

The lower falls consists of only a 320 foot drop, which is adjacent to a viewing area. It is the most used viewing area of the falls, because it is the most accessible for people. At the base of the lower falls, Yosemite Creek emerges and flows into the Merced River, which isn’t far from the falls themselves. The plunge pool at the base of the falls is very dangerous and surrounded by talus, or rock fragments, that can become very slippery and dangerous for those who get too close.

According to local legend, the Ahwahneechee believed that the waterfall’s plunge pool was inhabited by the spirits of several witches, known as Poloti. They called the waterfall “Cholock”, and told folk stories about a woman going into the pool to fetch water and drawing out a bucket full of snakes. The spirits then caused that woman’s home to be sucked into the pool, taking the woman and her newborn baby with it. This legend is a part of the culture of this area, and you’re sure to hear more about it when you visit Yosemite Falls.