Is swimming allowed at Pywiack Cascade?

No, swimming is not allowed at Pywiack Cascade.

Nearby gauge (Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge) · 16 ft³/s · About average

Pywiack Cascade

Q: Are dogs allowed at Pywiack Cascade?

No, dogs are not allowed at Pywiack Cascade. Pets aren't allowed on Yosemite trails or in wilderness, except the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook's Meadow and Wawona Meadow Loop trails.

California • Yosemite National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Ryan Grimm CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

mtnscll CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Ryan Grimm CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

dougsmi CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

About Pywiack Cascade

Pywiack Cascade is a stunning waterfall located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a multi-tiered cascade that flows down granite slopes, fed by Tenaya Creek. The waterfall is most prominent during the spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak.

The Setting

Pywiack Cascade sits at 7,267 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Lehamite Falls (1180 ft) lies 5.2 miles to the west. Also nearby: Nevada Fall (594 ft, 4.9 mi).

Lehamite Falls Nevada Fall

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

There is no official trail leading directly to Pywiack Cascade. Visitors can view the cascade from Tioga Road or explore the surrounding area cautiously. Off-trail hiking may involve uneven terrain and requires proper preparation.

What to Expect

Expect a beautiful cascade flowing over granite slabs, especially during the spring and early summer. The area offers scenic views of Yosemite's high country, but access to the base of the falls may be challenging and is not officially maintained.

Accessibility

The cascade is visible from Tioga Road, making it accessible for those who cannot hike. However, closer views require off-trail exploration, which is not wheelchair accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pywiack Cascade?

❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on Yosemite trails or in wilderness, except the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook's Meadow and Wawona Meadow Loop trails.

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Pywiack Cascade?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Pywiack Cascade, as the waterfall is fed by snowmelt and flows most strongly during these seasons.

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 Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Exercise caution if exploring off-trail. Rocks near the cascade can be slippery, and the area may have uneven terrain. Always carry water and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 26 minutes ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge, 5.4 miles away, not on Pywiack Cascade's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

16 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5 9 64 116

Based on 111 years of record

1.02 ft

Water depth at gauge

44°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

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

MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11264500

5.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 181 sq mi

Altitude: 4,020 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES 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

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

19 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

19 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

22 cfs

2/10

Sat

Low

23 cfs

4/10

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

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

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 Yosemite Valley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Pywiack Cascade Frozen?

Updated about 23 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Pywiack Cascade is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 37°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 17 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

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 439 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,252 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 351 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 319 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Pywiack Cascade near Yosemite Valley, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Pywiack Cascade near Yosemite Valley, California, showing about 439 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 7,252 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 439 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; 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 northwest).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Pywiack Cascade is located along the Tioga Road (Highway 120) in Yosemite National Park. It is visible from the road, but accessing closer views may require some off-trail exploration.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available along Tioga Road, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should park in designated areas only.

Elevation

7,267 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.787147° N, -119.488772° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the spring or early summer for the best water flow. Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for better views if staying near the road. Be cautious of slippery rocks and uneven terrain if exploring off-trail.

This trail sits at 7,267 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 29% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

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

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Nearby Campground

Porcupine Flat Campground

4.4 miles away · 56 sites

Reservable

Overview Porcupine Flat is closed for the winter.Staying at Porcupine Flat Campground requires reservations. No first come, first serve sites are available. The campground typically opens in late-June and closes mid-October. The opening date varies depending on the opening of the Tioga Road and related seasonal facility and road work.Porcupine Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road about 30 minutes west of Tuolumne Meadows and over an hour from Yosemite Valley. RVs and Trailers are not rec

Book on Recreation.gov