Tokopah Falls - California Waterfalls; Lodgepole, Sequoia National Park-hike/trail/map/directions

Tokopah Falls is one of the highlights to see in Sequoia National Park, a beautiful 1200 ft. high cascade along the Marble Fork Kaweah River. It is one of the highest waterfalls in California outside of Yosemite, and in the spring, when the snow is melting, it is undoubtedly an amazing sight. We were here in the spring 2007, but after a dry winter, so it was really more like Autumn (for the waterfalls flow), but it was still a beautiful cascade, reminding me somewhat of Horsetail Falls near Lake Tahoe.

The trail to Tokopah Falls is probably one of the most popular, if not the most popular, hikes in Sequoia National Park. So it will be very busy. I suggest hiking to the falls first thing in the morning. I was there at sunrise, and was the only one around. The hike is very easy, gently rising 600 ft. in elevation up to the falls. As you get closer to the waterfall, you will be able to see most of the entire 1200 ft. cascade falling down the granite rock (only the uppermost section cannot be seen). The trail ends right at the base of the falls. Some people have no doubt scrambled up higher to see more of the upper sections up close, but the cliffs are steep and the rock is slick, so I would not recommend doing anything like that.

Although it is said that Tokopah Falls is 1200 ft. high, I admit that it sure does not seem nearly that high, especially from up close. To me it seems like maybe half that height in total, or maybe even a bit less. I asked my wife how high she thought it was, and she said 100 ft. Thats a bit extreme, but it is true that it does not seem as high as it is. Nonetheless, I double-checked the topo maps and they show a height of around 1000-1100 ft. So it really is as high as they say, though maybe not quite 1200 ft.

One more note: watch out for the giant killer marmots at the base of Tokopah Falls. One of them tried to drag off our child backpack carrier, then tried to eat my daughter. I am kidding, but these things really have no fear, and did come right up to my daughter within inches, looking for food or some such thing. I have heard that it is even worse at nearby Mineral King if you plan to go there. We, unfortunately, could not make it out to Mineral King to see the waterfalls there, but apparently the marmots there will chew up your cars radiator hose while you are out hiking. Thats darn scary to me, considering you are a long 30 miles from civilization.

2 Miles ENE Lodgepole CA (Elev. 9180 ft)

Today
Snow, mainly before 5pm, then snow showers after 5pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. High near 27. Wind chill values as low as 10. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 15 to 21 inches possible.
Tonight
Snow showers before 8pm, then snow, mainly between 8pm and 11pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 12. Wind chill values as low as -3. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 10 to 16 inches possible.
Tuesday
Snow likely after 11am. The snow could be heavy at times. Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 20. Wind chill values as low as -3. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.
Tuesday Night
Snow likely, mainly before 11pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. Wind chill values as low as -2. Breezy, with a west southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.
Wednesday
A 20 percent chance of snow after 11am. Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 22. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 13. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Thursday
A 20 percent chance of snow after 11am. Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 27. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 16. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
Friday
A 10 percent chance of snow after 11am. Sunny and cold, with a high near 32. East wind around 10 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 21. West wind around 10 mph becoming east in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 37. East wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 23. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming east after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 40. East wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.