Tokopah Falls
California • 1200 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Tokopah Falls
Tokopah Falls is a stunning 1,200-foot cascading waterfall located in Sequoia National Park, California. It is fed by the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River and is particularly impressive during the spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak.
The Setting
Tokopah Falls sits at 8,107 feet within Sequoia National Park, in the high alpine of California. At 1,200 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.
Height: 1200 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Tokopah Falls Trail is a scenic out-and-back hike that follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. The trail features granite cliffs, lush meadows, and occasional wildlife sightings. The path is well-maintained but includes some rocky sections and moderate elevation gain.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 1200 feet.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tokopah Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Tokopah Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Tokopah Falls is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, but the waterfall may have a reduced flow.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 41°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and along the trail, especially after rain. Carry bear spray and store food properly, as black bears are common in the area. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Marble Fork Kaweah River, 0.6 miles away, not on Tokopah Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
3 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
7.06 ft
Water depth at gauge
41°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 41 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MARBLE FORK KAWEAH R AB HORSE C NR LODGEPOLE CA (1 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
2/10Sat
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
2/10Sun
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
2/10Mon
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
2/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late June, peaking in June.
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 Three Rivers hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Tokopah Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast
Tokopah Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 41°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 1 of the next 7
- Flow
- 3 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 378 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. The falls are listed at 1,200 feet; that total covers more ground than this one lidar line does, which sees about 1,184 feet of descent end to end. Elevation at the pin is about 8,089 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 245 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 200 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,089 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 378 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Tokopah Falls is accessed via the Tokopah Falls Trail, which begins near the Lodgepole Campground in Sequoia National Park. The trailhead is well-marked and located near the Marble Fork Bridge.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Lodgepole Campground area. During peak seasons, parking may fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
8,107 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.608951° N, -118.690504° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky in places. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail may be slippery after rain.
This trail sits at 8,107 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome 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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 4.0 miles and 500 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.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
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
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia Kings Canyon
Escape to Muniz Village Unit D Family
Lazy J Ranch Motel
Soleil Luna 2 miles from Sequoia Park Entrance
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Giant Forest, home to the General Sherman Tree, and the Marble Fork Bridge. Lodgepole Visitor Center is also close by for park information and amenities.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area includes marmots, deer, black bears, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance from animals.
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