Tokopah Falls

Tokopah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Sequoia National Park, a dramatic 1,200-foot series of steep granite cascades that tumble down a massive rock face at the head of Tokopah Valley. Unlike the free-falling plunge waterfalls of Yosemite, Tokopah is a long, steep cascade that follows the contours of the granite, spreading and converging as it descends through a natural amphitheater of polished stone. The scale is immense — the cascade stretches nearly a quarter mile from top to bottom, framed by sheer canyon walls.

The trail to Tokopah Falls is a pleasant 4-mile round trip along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, starting from Lodgepole Campground. The path gains about 600 feet over mostly gradual slopes, passing through groves of sequoia and pine forest before emerging into the rocky, boulder-strewn valley below the falls. The final approach requires some easy boulder-hopping to reach the best viewpoint near the base. Wooden bridges and staircases keep the trail accessible for most of its length.

Peak flow occurs in late May through June, when snowmelt sends enormous volumes of water cascading down the granite face. The falls are most impressive in early summer but continue to flow through midsummer in heavy snow years. The trail is usually snow-free from late May through October. Lodgepole Campground provides a convenient base, and the trailhead is just steps from the campground. The Lodgepole Village has a small market, deli, and visitor center.