Is swimming allowed at Foresta Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Foresta Falls.

Live Conditions · 17 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Foresta Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Foresta Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Foresta Falls.

California • Yosemite National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

jlkinsel CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

daveynin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

ilya_ktsn CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

bgwashburn CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Foresta Falls

Foresta Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is known for its serene setting and relatively low visitor traffic compared to other Yosemite attractions. The falls are surrounded by granite formations and lush vegetation, making it a peaceful spot for nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Foresta Falls sits at 4,049 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Silver Strand Falls (574 ft) lies 5.0 miles to the east.

Silver Strand Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.2 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Foresta Falls is a short and relatively easy hike. It features a gentle incline and passes through a scenic forested area. The trail is well-marked and suitable for most visitors, including families with children.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and less crowded experience compared to other Yosemite waterfalls. The falls are surrounded by granite boulders and offer a tranquil spot for photography or relaxation. Water flow may vary depending on the season, with spring typically offering the most impressive display.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Foresta Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Foresta Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring is the best time to visit Foresta Falls, as the snowmelt ensures a strong water flow. Summer and fall are also good options, but the flow may be reduced. Winter access may be limited due to snow.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Watch for slippery rocks near the falls, especially after rain. Be cautious of wildlife and stay on marked trails. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 1 day ago Barely Flowing

17 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

14 18 48 102

Based on 109 years of record

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

MERCED R A POHONO BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11266500

5.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 321 sq mi

Altitude: 3,865 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MERCED R A POHONO BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA (9 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

17 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny then patchy smoke (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in May.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Foresta 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 297 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,096 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 196 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 100 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Foresta Falls near Foresta, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Foresta Falls near Foresta, California, showing about 297 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 4,096 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 297 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Foresta Falls is located near the small community of Foresta within Yosemite National Park. To access the falls, visitors typically drive to the Foresta area and follow a short trail leading to the waterfall.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead in the Foresta area. Spaces may be limited, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

4,049 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.692706° N, -119.759894° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the falls in solitude. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities near the falls.

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This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

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.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

Bridalveil Creek Campground

7.9 miles away · 110 sites

Reservable

Overview Bridalveil Creek Campground is closed for the 2025 season.Staying at Bridalveil Creek Campground requires reservations. There are no first come, first served sites available.Bridalveil Creek is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is situated on Glacier Point Road at an elevation of 7,200 feet, 26 miles from Yosemite Valley. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valley

Book on Recreation.gov