Waterfalls

May 2, 2014
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
Total distance walked: 3.3 miles

Many dogwood trees were in bloom across Yosemite National Park, their delicate white petals swaying in the breeze, while the waterfalls roared at their peak for the season. Chris and I, along with countless other visitors, spent the afternoon in the valley soaking in the breathtaking sights.

Walking up the path to Bridalveil Fall, we heard the repeated crash of water against the rocks. This iconic waterfall is known for the mist it carries on the breeze resembling a bridal veil.

It’s common to run into familiar faces in the valley—especially on a day as beautiful as this. As we walked back to the car, Mike and Ursula greeted us with warm hellos. We paused to chat before continuing on our separate ways.

On the way to the historic Yosemite Chapel, we caught a fleeting glimpse of Sentinel Falls cascading nearly two thousand feet down the granite cliffs (no photo). Inside the chapel, we knelt and said a prayer of thanksgiving, while outside, Yosemite Falls towered in the distance—one of the highest waterfalls in the world.

At LeConte Memorial Lodge, we spoke with two Sierra Club docents who shared the history of the building. Originally constructed in 1903, the lodge was moved to its current location in 1919, with its walls rebuilt using rock gathered from the nearby town of Raymond.

Amazingly, the roof remains original standing strong for over a hundred years. Inside were several beautiful quilts made in 2002 for the centennial celebration. Each square was painted by a visitor to the lodge.

We strolled through the shady fen, where the clear waters revealed a large trout gliding beneath the surface.

Crossing the Happy Isles Bridge, we were struck by the sheer force of the Merced River, its rushing water a powerful presence.

As we climbed the paved and crowded trail to the Vernal Fall bridge, Yosemite Falls and Illilouette Fall stood proudly in the distance, their cascades in full force.

At the bridge, we had to wait our turn for the best photo of Vernal Fall—since we weren’t hiking the Mist Trail this time for a closer view. It was much fuller than when Andrew and I visited last November.

With noon approaching, hunger called, and we quickly descended the steep trail making our way to Curry Village for pizza. After lunch, we made one final stop at the lowest tier of Cascade Falls, where the water plunged into Cascade Creek continuing its journey to the Merced River.

We stepped through the soft sand and scrambled over large boulders until we reached a secluded spot. Chris pointed out a bright Indian paintbrush growing near the boulders.

Perched on the smooth granite rocks next to the roaring river, we reveled in its sound so loud and powerful.

There are many waterfalls throughout Yosemite National Park. During our brief afternoon outing in the valley, we were blessed to have spotted six of them.