Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About First Falls
First Falls sits tucked inside the Inyo National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offering a peaceful cascade that swells in the spring runoff. The waterfall is reached via the North Fork Big Pine Creek (USFS Trail #3205), and the short out-and-back approach makes it a popular outing for hikers looking for a quick nature escape without a long backcountry commitment. The route gains about 300 feet over a 2.0-mile round trip and is rated moderate, so you’ll get a little workout before the reward of the falls. The setting is quietly scenic — forested stretches and rocky creekside ledges — and Upper Sage Flat campground is only about 1.0 km away if you want to turn the visit into an overnight trip. Pack layers and water, wear sturdy shoes, and enjoy a peaceful visit while following Leave No Trace practices. The USFS-managed corridor keeps the experience natural and relatively undeveloped, making First Falls a charming stop for photographers and day hikers alike.
The Setting
First Falls sits at 8,251 feet within Inyo National Forest, in the high alpine of California.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows North Fork Big Pine Creek (#3205), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 10-12%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
NORTH FORK BIG PINE CREEK #3205
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.01 miTrail Description
The trail to First Falls follows USFS North Fork Big Pine Creek, Trail #3205. The official route is an out-and-back about 2.0 miles with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. Surface conditions are native material, and the trail maintains a typical grade of 10–12%, with several short, steeper pitches; the route is classified as Class 3 on USFS records, so expect some rough or steeper sections that require careful footing. Given the natural tread and occasional rocky sections, sturdy footwear is recommended. Upper Sage Flat campground lies about 1.0 km from the trailhead for convenient nearby camping.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The flow of the waterfall may vary depending on the season, with spring offering the most robust water flow.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at First Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at First Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Inyo National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall and stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost. Carry a map or GPS device and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Big Pine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 144 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 8,234 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 298 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 92 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,234 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 144 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The exact location of First Falls may vary depending on the region in California. It is recommended to consult local maps or trail guides for precise directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability may vary depending on the trailhead. Visitors are advised to check local resources or arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
8,251 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.126321° N, -118.445105° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and bring plenty of water. Be prepared for uneven terrain and check weather conditions before heading out.
This trail sits at 8,251 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)
Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.
Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex
Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 2.0 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bishop by IHG
Comfort Inn Bishop
Cielo Hotel Bishop-Mammoth, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Quality Inn Bishop near Mammoth
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
UPPER SAGE FLAT
0.6 miles away · 21 sites
Overview Take the family to Upper Sage for a pleasant camping trip along the banks of Big Pine Creek. Here, visitors can experience the beauty of the creek that runs along the base of a narrow canyon. Visitors can swim or fish, in the creek that is stocked annually with trout, or head to a nearby lake for power boating.Recreation Rainbow, brown, brook and alpers trout swim in the stream, enticing anglers. Hikers are fans of the Big Pine Creek Trail, a 1.5-mile footpath that provides access to the
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Nearby Attractions
Other hiking trails and natural landmarks may be located nearby, depending on the region.
Wildlife
The area may be home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of potential encounters with snakes or other wildlife.
Nearby Waterfalls
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