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)

Overnight
Mostly clear, with a low around 30. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 44. Wind chill values as low as 24. South southwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday
A 30 percent chance of snow after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Wind chill values as low as 28. South wind around 5 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Friday Night
Snow, mainly after 10pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 30. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Saturday
Snow. High near 33. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Saturday Night
Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Sunday
Snow likely, mainly before 10am. The snow could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 29. West southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night
A 50 percent chance of snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. West southwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday
Snow likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 30. West southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night
Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday
Snow likely. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 31. West southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night
A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. West southwest wind around 5 mph.