Is swimming allowed at Silver Strand Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Silver Strand Falls.

Live Conditions · 17 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Silver Strand Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Silver Strand Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Silver Strand Falls.

California • Yosemite National Park • 574 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

James St. John CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

A Camera Story CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

UGArdener CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

dangerismycat CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

About Silver Strand Falls

Silver Strand Falls is a seasonal waterfall located in Yosemite National Park, California. It cascades down a granite cliff near the entrance to Yosemite Valley, offering a stunning view during the spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak. The waterfall is visible from the road, making it an accessible and picturesque stop for visitors.

The Setting

Silver Strand Falls sits at 6,437 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California. At 574 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 574 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sentinel Fall (1920 ft) lies 4.2 miles to the east. Also nearby: Ribbon Fall (1612 ft, 2.5 mi) and Bridalveil Fall (620 ft, 1.5 mi).

Sentinel Fall Ribbon Fall Bridalveil Fall

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Silver Strand Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

No hiking is required to view Silver Strand Falls, as it is visible from the road. Visitors can stop at nearby pullouts to enjoy the view and take photographs.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 574 feet.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Silver Strand Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Silver Strand Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring is the best time to visit Silver Strand Falls, as the snowmelt ensures a strong flow. Early summer can also be a good time, but the waterfall may dry up later in the season.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Be cautious when stopping along the road to view the falls, as traffic can be heavy. Always park in designated areas and stay aware of your surroundings.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

17 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

14 18 48 102

Based on 109 years of record

1.01 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

MERCED R A POHONO BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11266500

0.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 321 sq mi

Altitude: 3,865 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MERCED R A POHONO BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA (1 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

17 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

18 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, smoke (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 Foresta 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 790 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 574 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,507 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 257 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 734 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Silver Strand Falls near Foresta, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Silver Strand Falls near Foresta, California, showing about 790 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 6,507 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 790 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

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

Silver Strand Falls is located near the entrance to Yosemite Valley, along Highway 41 (Wawona Road). It is visible from the road, just before entering the valley.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at nearby pullouts along Wawona Road. Visitors should ensure they park in designated areas to avoid obstructing traffic.

Elevation

6,437 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.704372° N, -119.669334° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit in the spring for the best flow. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Be cautious when parking along the road, as traffic can be heavy during peak seasons.

This trail sits at 6,437 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 26% 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

Bridalveil Creek Campground

4 miles away · 110 sites

Reservable

Overview Bridalveil Creek Campground is closed for the 2025 season.Staying at Bridalveil Creek Campground requires reservations. There are no first come, first served sites available.Bridalveil Creek is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is situated on Glacier Point Road at an elevation of 7,200 feet, 26 miles from Yosemite Valley. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valley

Book on Recreation.gov