Is swimming allowed at Pywiack Cascade?

No, swimming is not allowed at Pywiack Cascade.

Live Conditions · 6 ft³/s · Lower than usual

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 Sep 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

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 Barely Flowing

6 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

4 7 37 75

Based on 110 years of record

0.68 ft

Water depth at gauge

53°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 53 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

Barely Flowing right now

6 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (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 Yosemite Valley 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 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

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