Current Flooding & Waterfalls in Yosemite Valley
Happy Monday friends! This week we’re heading to Yosemite National Park to see waterfalls raging, riverbanks flooding, and how the record snow season is affecting Spring conditions in the Yosemite Valley. Join me as we check out some of the most popular valley spots to see what they’re looking like right now!
Bridalveil Fall & Merced River seen from Big Oak Flat Road viewpoint
Lower Cascades waterfall in Yosemite National Park
Wildcat Falls & The Cascades
The first waterfalls most park visitors can see when driving into the park from the Arch Rock entrance along Hwy 140 (El Portal Rd) are Wildcat Falls and the Cascades. These waterfalls are often concealed by vegetation, and much of the year the water slows to a trickle...but currently they are raging! Park visitors can easily enjoy a straight-on view of the lower Cascades from the paved parking area located on the north side of the highway. Right now the water is rushing down with such force you can hear these waterfalls from the road, and the parking/viewing area has wonderful information panels about Yosemite’s waterfalls.
Before heading into the heart of the valley, I’d definitely recommend taking a quick detour up Big Oak Flat Road to see the Upper Cascades from another viewing area. And just a little further up the road you’ll find an overlook (one of my favorites) that has spectacular views of Bridalveil Fall and the raging Merced River carving its way through the steep valley below.
For complete details on Wildcat Falls and the Cascades (and to see them slightly later in the season) see my full blog post and YouTube virtual visit video.
Merced River raging along Highway 140 near Arch Rock Entrance
Merced River rages below El Capitan and Ribbon Fall
Merced River
Both inside the valley and also outside the park’s official boundaries, you get a sense of why they called this “the Mighty Merced.” The water is not only overflowing its banks here, it’s also roaring with rapids all along Highway 140 and both the Northside & Southside Drives.
There are countless locations to stop and enjoy the views. Just make sure to be wise when approaching these waters. Although some areas may seem to be calm, the currents are strong and unforgiving.
Merced River flood levels at the Pohono Bridge
The Pohono Bridge
Built in 1928, this single arch stone bridge connects the two sides of the valley and spans over 80 feet. Normally you can view the Pohono Bridge along the Valley Loop Trail. but water along the Merced and its tributaries are so high, parts of the trail in this area are flooded.
The Pohono Bridge is also one of the spots where the NPS is able to gauge flood levels in the valley. Once the waters here reach 10 feet, the Merced is considered at flood stage, meaning certain sections of the valley, including roadways, campgrounds, and other structures, are at risk of flooding.
Ribbon Fall and El Capitan in Yosemite Valley
Ribbon Fall in Yosemite National Park
Ribbon Fall
Flowing off the cliffside immediately to the west of El Capitan, Ribbon Fall is fed by melting Winter snow. It often goes unnoticed by park visitors, as it runs completely dry much of the year...but now that temperatures are starting to rise, melting away the record-breaking snowpack, waterfalls in the park are at their peak, and Ribbon Fall is certainly no exception. This waterfall is currently putting on a grand show as it crashes down a whopping 1,612 feet. This massive vertical plunge gives Ribbon Fall the distinction of being the longest single-drop waterfall in North America...and with the huge amount of water it’s producing right now, you can see it from many angles throughout the western side of the valley.
Merced River flood level at the Swing Bridge with Yosemite Falls
Merced River flooding at the Swinging Bridge below Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge & Picnic Area
Located along the Sentinel and Cooks Meadow Trail Loop, the sturdy wooden plank bridge, which replaced the original swinging bridge in the 1960s, shows just how high the water is flowing inside the valley. I’ve walked the sandy shoreline below the bridge here many times, but currently the water is only a foot or two below the walkway! It’s hard to imagine there was ever a beach area for picnickers to enjoy. You get great views of the valley and Yosemite Falls year-round from the Swinging Bridge, but right now it’s really something special to see the water levels so high.
Flooded riverbanks of the Merced with El Capitan and Horsetail Fall
Horsetail Fall
Every so often, I’ll receive a question about Horsetail Fall asking if it’s possible to see the famous Horsetail Fall “Firefall” event outside of February. While water is currently flowing down from this El Capitan waterfall, the location of the setting sun is not quite right to see the famous “fiery” waterfall this time of year, but it’s still marvelous to see the water spraying off the side of the granite in the sunlight this Spring.
For complete details on viewing Firefall, I have 3 complete blog posts and YouTube videos found here:
• Complete Firefall Visitors Guide - Yosemite National Park
• 24 Hours in Yosemite During Firefall
• Fall Firefall in Yosemite National Park
Flooded meadow and boardwalk below Yosemite Falls
Historic “Flood Water Level” sign at the flooded Cook’s Meadow below Yosemite Falls
Sentinel & Cook’s Meadow Boardwalks
This 2 mile loop is a gentle flat hike offering multiple views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. While the Spring green grass and waterfall views are on full display, much of the meadow area (including some sections of the wooden boardwalk) is entirely submerged under water right now...so while you can walk some sections of this trail, you cannot enjoy the full hike due to current flooding.
On recent visits, you may have noticed signs indicating flood levels back in January of 1997. These signs commemorate the worst flood in Yosemite’s history, and arguable its most destructive natural disaster. This “100-year flood” stranded 2100 visitors and did extensive damage to vehicles, trails, facilities, and bridges, as well as destroyed half of all accommodations found in the valley, including the Yosemite Lodge and several campsites.
Valley View flooded in Yosemite National Park
Valley View
Valley View, or “Gates of the Valley” as it’s sometimes referred to, is one spot I always visit along Northside Drive just before I exit the park onto Hwy 140. The small parking lot is currently open, but if the water rises any higher it will be creeping up on the roadway. In fact, there’s red caution tape lining the viewing area to discourage anyone from walking past the parking area, as the rock and cement slip down to the water’s edge is now entirely under water. Although it’s hard to beat the views of the meandering Merced during other seasons, the raging Bridalveil Fall views above the mighty Merced rushing past is quite spectacular.
For more information on this spot, make sure to check out my full Valley View blog post and YouTube video.
Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park
Bridalviel Fall
The trail to Bridalveil Fall is closed due to the Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project, which is expected to be completed later this year, but don’t worry – you can easily view it from multiple areas throughout the valley. It’s flowing with a fullness I haven’t seen in years, so if you visit Yosemite Valley in the next month or two, you’re sure to catch a great glimpse of this iconic 621 foot waterfall. Two of my personal favorite spots to view this waterfall are Tunnel View and Valley View.
Yosemite Falls raging in Yosemite National Park
At the base of Lower Yosemite Falls
Lower Yosemite Falls
I’m so excited that the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail was open for my recent visit. Springtime at the base of Lower Yosemite Falls is magical, but this year might just take the cake. The water is thundering down with such force, you can hear this waterfall as you begin the trail. It’s incredibly important that you stay on the maintained boardwalk and path here. The water is flowing so viciously that it would be incredibly dangerous to enter or even approach the water’s edge here. The official viewing platform and wooden lookout bridge are completely covered with water. If you want to enjoy the view, you need to be prepared to get wet. Right now the waterfall is flowing with such incredible might that if you stand for any length of time in front of the Lower Falls viewpoint, you’ll look (and feel) like you just stepped out of the shower...and you’ll be walking the trail back sopping wet, which seems like a pretty small price to pay to see the tallest waterfall in North America in all its glory.
For more information on this spot, make sure to check out my full Lower Yosemite Falls blog post and YouTube video.
Tunnel View at Yosemite National Park
Tunnel View
While technically just outside of Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View is another spot I always stop at when visiting the valley. This is one of the most popular and crowded tourist spots in the park, but with good reason! Behind you is the historic Wawona Tunnel, and in front of you is the quintessential view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall showcasing the gates of Yosemite Valley in a way that can only be described as perfection. So join the crowds (there’s plenty of parking in the two Tunnel View parking lots) and stop to snap a picture, or enjoy a meal while looking out at the magnificent scenery here.
A special bonus of this spot is Silver Strand Falls. This waterfall runs dry much of the year, but right now it’s flowing beautifully. To see this rarely seen waterfall flow, look out from Tunnel View and turn your gaze behind you to the right.
For more information on this spot, make sure to check out my full Tunnel View blog post and YouTube video.
Merced River flooding with Yosemite Falls in the distance
Know Before You Go
• If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Yosemite, it’s incredibly important to visit the official Yosemite NPS website prior to your trip for the most up-to-date park information, as conditions and closures may be changing daily during May and into June.
• Spring in Yosemite is beautiful, but the rivers inside the park are clearly running very high. Please do not enter or approach the water’s edge, as the current is incredibly dangerous. Recreate responsibly by staying on the designated trails and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge as you enjoy the park...flooding is likely in many spots over the next month.
• The record breaking snow Yosemite received during the Winter and the incredible snowpack that’s currently melting means some areas in Yosemite Valley may be inaccessible for periods in May and June. Some popular roads, including those to Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point, and Tioga will likely open much later in the season than they typically would.
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
Half Dome over the flooded Merced seen from Sentinel Bridge
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit to these spots during this unique time, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Flooded meadow and boardwalk below Yosemite Falls
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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