LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Twenty Six Foot Drop near Fallon, Nevada, showing about 31 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Nearby gauge (Truckee Canal) · 34 ft³/s · About average

Twenty Six Foot Drop

Nevada • 26 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Twenty Six Foot Drop

Twenty Six Foot Drop is a lesser-known waterfall located in Nevada. It is named for its approximate height of 26 feet and is a seasonal waterfall, typically flowing during periods of rain or snowmelt. The surrounding area features desert landscapes and rugged terrain.

The Setting

Twenty Six Foot Drop sits at 4,019 feet in the mountains of Nevada. The falls drop 26 feet.

Height: 26 feet

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Details about the trail leading to Twenty Six Foot Drop are not well-documented. The terrain may include rocky or uneven surfaces, and visitors should be prepared for potential off-trail navigation.

What to Expect

The falls drop 26 feet.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The terrain may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Twenty Six Foot Drop?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Twenty Six Foot Drop?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit is during or shortly after periods of rain or snowmelt, typically in spring or early summer.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September).

Safety Information

The area is remote, and cell service may be limited. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for desert conditions, including high temperatures and potential wildlife encounters. Ensure your vehicle is capable of handling unpaved roads if necessary.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 36 minutes ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Truckee Canal, 7.7 miles away, not on Twenty Six Foot Drop's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

34 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Based on 60 years of record

8.56 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

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

USGS 10351400
7.7 miles from waterfall
Altitude: 4,167 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge TRUCKEE CANAL NR HAZEN, NV (12 km away).

Moderate confidence
Strong right now
34 cfs
↑ Rising
96928888888888TodayTomorrowThuFriSatSunMon

Today

Roaring

37 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

36 cfs

9/10

Thu

Strong

43 cfs

10/10

Fri

Strong

42 cfs

10/10

Sat

Strong

35 cfs

10/10

Sun

Strong

33 cfs

10/10

Mon

Strong

33 cfs

10/10

Best window: Thu — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to mid December, 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 Fallon hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Twenty Six Foot Drop Frozen?

Updated about 11 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded

Twenty Six Foot Drop is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 32°F.

Days below freezing
0 of the last 14
Current cold streak
0 days
Freezing days ahead
0 of the next 7
Flow
33 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.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 31 feet through Twenty Six Foot Drop over a long run of ledges. It lines up with the 26 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 4,024 feet.

The ground changes about 21 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 13 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Twenty Six Foot Drop near Fallon, Nevada, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Twenty Six Foot Drop near Fallon, Nevada, showing about 31 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation
4,024 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 31 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
Northeast
Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The waterfall is located in a remote area of Nevada. Specific directions may vary depending on the starting point, and visitors are advised to use GPS or consult local resources for the most accurate route. The area may require driving on unpaved roads.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is uncertain, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated pullouts. Ensure your vehicle is parked safely and does not obstruct traffic.

Elevation

4,019 feet above sea level

Coordinates

39.484638° N, -118.903490° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check weather conditions before visiting, as the waterfall is seasonal and may not flow during dry periods. Bring plenty of water, as the area is arid and can become very hot. Wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions are not well-documented, but the area may offer opportunities for exploring desert landscapes and other natural features.

Wildlife

The area may be home to desert wildlife, including lizards, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.

Cities near Twenty Six Foot Drop

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