Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is known throughout the world as the tallest waterfall in North America. It stands with a total of 2,425 feet from the top of the so-called upper falls, down to the base of the lower falls, and is located right at the Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Mountains of the state of California. With its height, it's no surprise that the Yosemite Falls is considered by almost every visitor as a major attraction in the National Park.

The Yosemite Falls actually consists of three minor falls. The first is the so-called "Upper Falls", which stands and qualifies alone as one of the top twenty tallest waterfalls not only in North America, but in the world. This portion can be reached by a number of trails which can be climbed up from the floor of the Yosemite Valley down from the other portions of the National Park. What's interesting to know about this waterfall is that it is formed by the waters of Yosemite Creek which runs so swift over the end of Yosemite's hanging valley. The water flows from up to the bottom with a stunning force.

The second most important part of the Yosemite Falls is the Lower Falls. It flows in a height of about 320 feet and is located adjacent to a viewing area that is highly accessible for every visitor. In the base of this fall, the Yosemite Creek appears flowing into the Merced River which is located just nearby. And, just like the rest of the base waterfalls in other area, the plunge pool at the foot of the Lower Falls is surrounded by clutters of talus, which is deemed by locals and visitors alike as dangerous. These taluses are even more treacherous especially during high humidity which causes the surfaces to become slippery.

Lastly, the Yosemite Falls also includes the Cascades. This waterfall is actually the one located at the center of Upper and Lower Falls. The Cascades actually appear in series of cascade and smaller plunges. But, when these cascades and plunges are taken together, the drop would account for about 675 feet, which as you may notice is more than twice of the Lower Falls' height.

Well, although the Cascades is much larger than the Lower Falls, the area is still often overlooked simply for the reason that the layout of the area is not as accessible and as good as the rest of the Yosemite Falls. The area is also steep and slippery, thus those who wish to visit this major portion of the Yosemite Falls are still required to go with a helicopter rescue.

Today, the Yosemite Falls is often visited mostly by those who visit Yosemite for an adventure. Most of them are mountain climbers, and they often come with guides knowing that seeing the Yosemite Falls face to face is one of most dangerous undertakings they can ever make.