Are there fees or permits required for South Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit South Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at South Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at South Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 6 ft³/s · Higher than usual

South Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at South Creek Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at South Creek Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Sequoia National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

bdearth CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

davidseibold CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

inkknife_2000 (14 million views) CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

davidseibold CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About South Creek Falls

South Creek Falls is a quietly scenic cascade tucked within Sequoia National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls are at their most impressive in spring and early summer when mountain snowmelt feeds the creek, and the surrounding mixed-conifer forest makes for a peaceful, photo-friendly setting. Access to the falls is via the USFS Elephant Knob Trail (Trail #32E43), which delivers a compact, rewarding outing without a long drive into the backcountry. The hike to the falls is a moderate, out-and-back route of roughly 2.0 miles (GIS 1.8 miles) with about 300 feet of elevation gain—an ideal half-day trip for most day-hikers. If you want to turn this into an overnight trip, Redwood Meadow Campground lies nearby (about 9.11 km), offering a convenient place to camp before or after your visit.

The Setting

South Creek Falls sits at 3,950 feet within Sequoia National Forest, in the mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Salmon Creek Falls (120 ft) lies 5.4 miles to the southeast.

Salmon Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Elephant Knob (#32E43), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

ELEPHANT KNOB #32E43

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

1.80 mi

Trail Description

Elephant Knob Trail (USFS Trail #32E43) is a moderate Class 3 out-and-back of about 2.0 miles (GIS 1.8 miles) with approximately 300 feet of elevation gain. The tread is native material (dirt and natural rock) and typical grades run between 12–20%, so expect several sustained uphill sections. Class 3 indicates more uneven, steeper stretches where boots and sure footing are important; the surface can be rocky and occasionally uneven. The final approach opens to the cascade and surrounding greenery—sturdy footwear and basic route awareness will make the short hike more enjoyable.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through nature, culminating in a scenic waterfall. The area around the falls may be slippery, so caution is advised. Wildlife sightings are possible along the trail.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at South Creek Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at South Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit South Creek Falls is during the spring and early summer when the water flow is strongest. Fall can also be a pleasant time to visit due to cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Sequoia National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check weather conditions before your visit, as rain can make the trail more challenging. Carry a first aid kit and let someone know your hiking plans.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 1 day ago Barely Flowing

6 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1 2 5 8

Based on 26 years of record

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

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

SF TULE R NR CHOLOLLO CAMPGROUND NR PORTERVILLE CA

USGS 11203580

10.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 20 sq mi

Altitude: 3,674 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SF TULE R NR CHOLOLLO CAMPGROUND NR PORTERVILLE CA (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

6 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Mon

Low

6 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

6 cfs

6/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Best window: Tue — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late May, peaking in March.

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 Ponderosa 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 shows South Creek Falls dropping about 201 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 3,918 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 140 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 29 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around South Creek Falls near Ponderosa, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around South Creek Falls near Ponderosa, California, showing about 201 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 3,918 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 201 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

South Creek Falls is located in a remote area of California. Access typically involves driving to a nearby trailhead, followed by a hike. Exact directions may vary depending on the starting point, so consulting a map or GPS is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

3,950 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.972169° N, -118.492857° W

Land Management

Sequoia National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain.

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

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Nearby Campground

REDWOOD MEADOW

5.7 miles away · 14 sites

Reservable

Overview Redwood Meadow Campground located within Sequoia National Forest, in the southern portion of Giant Sequoia National Monument. The area is named for the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes.Recreation Touring the Sequoia National Monument is the area's most popular activity. Hikers enjoy the Trail of a Hundred Giants as it wanders through the ong Meadow Giant Sequoia Grove. Other points of interest within the sourthern se

Book on Recreation.gov