Is swimming allowed at Pywiack Cascade?

No, swimming is not allowed at Pywiack Cascade.

Live Conditions · 369 ft³/s · About average

Pywiack Cascade

Q: Are dogs allowed at Pywiack Cascade?

No, dogs are not allowed at Pywiack Cascade.

California • Yosemite National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

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

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pywiack Cascade?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

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

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 about 2 hours ago Low

369 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

173 335 1.6k 2.1k

Based on 110 years of record

3.01 ft

Water depth at gauge

57°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 57 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

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

Low right now

369 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

369 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

335 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

330 cfs

6/10

Fri

Low

318 cfs

6/10

Sat

Low

299 cfs

6/10

Sun

Low

308 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

290 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

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

Weather Forecast

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 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.

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.

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

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

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