Are there fees or permits required for Tufa Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Tufa Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Tufa Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Tufa Falls.

Nearby gauge (Marble Fork Kaweah River) · 3 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Tufa Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Tufa Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Tufa Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Sequoia National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (2)

Peter J. Caprio CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

About Tufa Falls

Tufa Falls is a quietly beautiful cascade tucked inside Sequoia National Park, managed by the National Park Service. The falls get their name from the tufa — porous limestone — formations that frame the flowing water, creating a sculpted, otherworldly setting that’s often less crowded than more famous park attractions. Flow can be seasonal, so the falls are best visited in wetter months or after spring runoff when the stream is fuller. The hike to Tufa Falls rewards visitors with a peaceful, natural setting ideal for photography and a short day outing. The route to the falls is an out-and-back trail of moderate difficulty; before you go, check current conditions with park rangers at Sequoia National Park, as access and water levels can change with the seasons.

The Setting

Tufa Falls sits at 8,412 feet within Sequoia National Park, in the high alpine of California.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Official USFS surface/grade/class data are not applicable or not available for this NPS-managed trail. Visitors should be prepared for natural trail conditions; some sections may be informal or unmarked as you approach the falls, so wear sturdy shoes and exercise caution.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by unique tufa rock formations. The water flow may vary depending on the season, and the area is likely to be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The site may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges due to potential uneven terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tufa Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Tufa Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring is typically the best time to visit, as water flow is likely to be at its peak due to snowmelt and rainfall.

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 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential seasonal changes in water flow. Always stay on safe ground and avoid getting too close to the edge of the waterfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Marble Fork Kaweah River, 12.9 miles away, not on Tufa 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

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 0 1 5

Based on 13 years of record

7.05 ft

Water depth at gauge

44°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

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

MARBLE FORK KAWEAH R AB HORSE C NR LODGEPOLE CA

USGS 11206820

12.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 8 sq mi

Altitude: 7,135 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MARBLE FORK KAWEAH R AB HORSE C NR LODGEPOLE CA (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

3 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

3 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

3 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

3 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

3 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

3 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

3 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

3 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

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.

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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 322 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 8,366 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 353 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 251 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Tufa Falls near Three Rivers, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Tufa Falls near Three Rivers, California, showing about 322 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 8,366 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 322 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Tufa Falls is located in California, but specific directions to the site are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to research local maps or consult with nearby park services for guidance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the site.

Elevation

8,412 feet above sea level

Coordinates

36.443821° N, -118.598142° W

Land Management

Sequoia National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a map or GPS device as the location may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain. Check water flow conditions before visiting, especially during dry seasons.

This trail sits at 8,412 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some 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.

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.

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.

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

STONY CREEK SEQUOIA

20.1 miles away · 48 sites

Reservable

Overview Stony Creek Campground sits at an elevation of approximatly 6,500 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's nestled among Sigar Pines, Jeffrey Pines, Red Firs and the scenic Stony Creek is just steps away. This campground is ideally located along the Generals Highway, in between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, near the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, and tucked within the heart of Hume Lake Ranger Districts Sequoia National Forest. Recreation Hume Lake is a popular recreation destinat

Book on Recreation.gov