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 · 17 ft³/s · Lower than usual

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 Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 3 other waterfalls also named The Cascades, see below

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

1.4 mi distance 200 ft climbed

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 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

2.7 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 (4 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, partly sunny then patchy 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 656 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,112 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 199 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 463 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around The Cascades near Foresta, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around The Cascades near Foresta, California, showing about 656 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: 4,112 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 656 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

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

4,144 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