Are there fees or permits required for The Cascades?

No, there are no fees required to visit The Cascades.

Is swimming allowed at The Cascades?

No, swimming is not allowed at The Cascades.

Live Conditions · 2,040 ft³/s · About average

The Cascades

Q: Are dogs allowed at The Cascades?

Yes, dogs are allowed at The Cascades.

California • Yosemite National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Photo Credits (5)

Udo S CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

CaptSpaulding CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Rob DeGraff CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

davidseibold CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Landscape and Travel CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About The Cascades

Tucked into the Sierra Nevada within Yosemite National Park, The Cascades is a graceful series of falls that tumble over glaciated granite, framed by the park’s signature forested slopes. The setting feels quintessentially Yosemite — a short, photogenic cascade that draws families and day-hikers looking for an easy taste of the park’s dramatic scenery. Managed by the National Park Service, Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its towering granite cliffs and prolific waterfalls, and The Cascades offers a compact example of those features without a long trek. The hike to the viewing area is approachable and rewarding, making The Cascades a popular stop for visitors exploring Yosemite’s lower-elevation trails. Because the route is brief and gentle, it’s ideal for casual outings and for photographers hoping to capture water flowing over textured rock ledges. Expect a peaceful setting with the kind of granite-and-forest backdrop that defines much of Yosemite’s landscape.

The Setting

The Cascades sits at 4,144 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Ribbon Fall (1612 ft) lies 3.6 miles to the east. Also nearby: Bridalveil Fall (620 ft, 3.7 mi) and Silver Strand Falls (574 ft, 2.8 mi).

Ribbon Fall Bridalveil Fall Silver Strand Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 1.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is a short, easy out-and-back trail of approximately 1.4 miles total with about 200 feet of elevation gain, suitable for most visitors and families. The path leads through forested terrain and ends at a viewing area beside the falls; specific USFS trail number, surface type, and technical grade/class are not provided for this route. Overall the hike is low-effort — mostly moderate footing and gentle grades — and serves as an accessible way to experience Yosemite’s waterfall scenery.

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 The Cascades?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at The Cascades?

❌ 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 at its fullest due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, so exercise caution when exploring the area. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or damaging the environment.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Strong

2,040 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

965 1.4k 3.1k 4.1k

Based on 109 years of record

5.90 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

MERCED R A POHONO BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11266500

2.7 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 321 sq mi

Altitude: 3,865 ft

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The Cascades is located near the town of Tahoe City, California, within the Tahoe National Forest. It can be accessed via Highway 89, with a trailhead located near the Cascade Lake area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it may fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

4144 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.726871° N, -119.712949° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.

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This easy 1.4 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

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

Bridalveil Creek Campground

6.8 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