Are there fees or permits required for Sardine Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Sardine Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Sardine Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Sardine Falls.

Live Conditions · 29 ft³/s · About average

Sardine Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Sardine Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Sardine Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Sardine Falls, see below

Bridgeport MIL · DESG

Photo Credits (5)

GSEC CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Sardine Falls

Sardine Falls sits in the Sierra Nevada near Sardine Lake and offers a peaceful cascade set among forested slopes and open meadows. The falls are a favorite short outing for hikers and nature lovers seeking a quiet, scenic stop in this high-country landscape. The site lies on land owned by DESG and is managed by the Department of Defense as part of the Bridgeport land unit (designation MIL), so visitors should be aware that access is subject to the policies of the managing agency. Reaching the falls is a rewarding half-day adventure: the approach is a roughly 2.0-mile out-and-back with about 300 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate in difficulty. The trail’s mix of shaded forest stretches and meadow views makes it an appealing option for photographers and families comfortable with moderate terrain, and its short length makes it an easy add-on to other nearby explorations in the Sierra Nevada.

The Setting

Sardine Falls sits at 9,209 feet within Bridgeport, in the high alpine of California.

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is a roughly 2.0-mile out-and-back route with approximately 300 feet of elevation gain and a moderate rating. The path is generally well-marked but includes some rocky and uneven sections; expect a mixed surface of packed dirt and rock with a moderate grade. Hikers pass through forested sections and open meadows before arriving at the falls—suitable for most hikers prepared for moderate terrain and short climbs.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sardine Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Sardine Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Sardine Falls is in late spring or early summer when the snowmelt ensures a strong flow. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.

Safety Information

Hikers should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and watch for sudden weather changes. Carry a first aid kit and let someone know your plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

29 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

21 28 66 101

Based on 88 years of record

0.76 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

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

W WALKER RV BLW L WALKER RV NR COLEVILLE, CA

USGS 10296000

10.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 181 sq mi

Altitude: 6,591 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge W WALKER RV BLW L WALKER RV NR COLEVILLE, CA (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

29 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

32 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

31 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

29 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

29 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

28 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

27 cfs

5/10

Sun

Low

31 cfs

4/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid 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 Walker 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.

1-meter lidar measures about 270 feet of descent through Sardine Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 9,208 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 144 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 180 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Sardine Falls near Walker, California, showing about 270 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 9,208 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 270 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Sardine Falls is located near Sardine Lake in the Tahoe National Forest. The trailhead can typically be accessed via Gold Lake Highway. Visitors should check local conditions and road closures before planning their trip.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

9,209 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.308384° N, -119.622119° W

Land Management

Bridgeport MIL

Managed by DOD

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail may be slippery after rain.

This trail sits at 9,209 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some 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.

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.

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

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

Deadman Campground

6.9 miles away · 0 sites

Deadman Campground is situated along the banks of the Stanislaus River, one mile from Highway 108 on the Kennedy Meadow Road. It is about 29 miles east of the Summit Ranger Station. There are a total of 17 camping sites; two walk-in sites. The main road is paved and parking pads are dirt-surfaced. Restrooms are vault toilets. Water is piped to hydrants serving multiple sites. A fee is charged for extra vehicle parking.

Book on Recreation.gov