Are there fees or permits required for Second Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Second Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Second Falls.

Second Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Second Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Second Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Inyo National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Jim Morefield CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Moo.The.Cow CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

David~O CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Steamjet 54 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Gaurav Kavathekar CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Second Falls

Second Falls sits within the Inyo National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, making it an easy add-on to explorations of the North Fork Big Pine Creek corridor. The hike to the falls follows the USFS North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail (Trail #3205) and is a moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain — a pleasant route for day hikers looking for a short, rewarding scramble and water views. The setting is quietly scenic and accessible: the trail is maintained by the USFS and marked on local trail maps as North Fork Big Pine Creek (#3205). If you want to turn this into an overnight trip, Upper Sage Flat campground is nearby (about 2.14 km from the trail), offering a convenient base camp before or after your visit to the falls.

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 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 10-12%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

NORTH FORK BIG PINE CREEK #3205

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

10-12%

USFS Segment

0.01 mi

Trail Description

Trail: North Fork Big Pine Creek (USFS Trail #3205). Trail type: out-and-back, total length 2.0 miles with approximately 300 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: moderate. Surface: native material. USFS lists the trail class as Class 3 with a typical grade of 10–12%. GIS miles for the mapped access segment are 0.01. Expect a natural-surface tread with moderate grades and occasional steeper sections consistent with a Class 3 designation.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike with some elevation gain. The waterfall is most impressive during the spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak.

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 not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Second Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically more active 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 Inyo National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the edge of the falls.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Second Falls is typically accessed via a trailhead in a forested area. Specific directions may vary depending on the region, so it is recommended to consult local maps or trail guides.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is not well-documented. Visitors should check for designated parking areas near the trailhead or along nearby roads.

Elevation

8885 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.134099° N, -118.455661° W

Land Management

Inyo National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail may become slippery after rain.

This trail sits at 8,885 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.

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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.

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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

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Nearby Campground

UPPER SAGE FLAT

1.3 miles away · 21 sites

Walking distance Reservable

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.gov