Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Second Falls
Second Falls is a cascade on the North Fork of Big Pine Creek in Inyo National Forest, above Glacier Lodge at the end of Glacier Lodge Road west of Big Pine. The North Fork (Big Pine Lakes) Trail zigzags up a sunny slope of sagebrush and Jeffrey pine past First Falls and reaches the creek above Second Falls about 2 miles from the trailhead. Flow peaks with snowmelt in late spring and early summer.
The Setting
Second Falls sits at 8,885 feet within Inyo National Forest, in the high alpine of California.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows North Fork Big Pine Creek (#3205), a 4.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
NORTH FORK BIG PINE CREEK #3205
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.01 miTrail Description
From the road-end trailhead, the North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail climbs steadily across the hillside well above the creek, with no shade or water for the first 2 miles, then swings over to the creek above the falls. Plan on about 4 miles round trip. The trail continues past Lon Chaney's stone cabin to the Big Pine Lakes in the John Muir Wilderness.
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 Second Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on Inyo National Forest trails and must be leashed in developed recreation sites; the Forest recommends leashing on busy trails such as the Big Pine Lakes trail.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Second Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring and early summer, when snowmelt flow is highest.
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 Inyo National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Carry water for the exposed climb, and stay back from the creek and wet rock near the falls during high snowmelt flows.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Big Pine 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 235 feet of descent through Second Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 8,883 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 81 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 252 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,883 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 235 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From US 395 in Big Pine, turn west on Crocker Street and continue about 10 miles to the end of the road near Glacier Lodge.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Day-use parking is at the end of the road. Overnight parking is about half a mile below the end of the road.
Elevation
8,885 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.134099° N, -118.455661° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early: the first 2 miles have no shade or water and can be hot by midday. Day hikes need no wilderness permit, but overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness do.
This trail sits at 8,885 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome 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.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bishop by IHG
Comfort Inn Bishop
Cielo Hotel Bishop-Mammoth, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Quality Inn Bishop near Mammoth
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
UPPER SAGE FLAT
1.3 miles away · 21 sites
Overview Take the family to Upper Sage for a pleasant camping trip along the banks of Big Pine Creek. Here, visitors can experience the beauty of the creek that runs along the base of a narrow canyon. Visitors can swim or fish, in the creek that is stocked annually with trout, or head to a nearby lake for power boating.Recreation Rainbow, brown, brook and alpers trout swim in the stream, enticing anglers. Hikers are fans of the Big Pine Creek Trail, a 1.5-mile footpath that provides access to the
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Second Falls, California on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
First Falls is lower on the same trail, and the trail continues to Lon Chaney's cabin and the Big Pine Lakes. Big Pine Creek, Upper Sage Flat and Sage Flat campgrounds are along Glacier Lodge Road.
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Second Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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