The Cascades

Mariposa County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Mariposa County, California
Access status: Roadside viewing area documented; park entrance fee applies
The walk: Roadside viewpoint; walking distance not measured
Ground & access: Roadside viewing area. Stay off the wet rocks and out of the creek.

The Cascades fall a bit over 600 feet at the confluence of Tamarack and Cascade Creeks, two miles west of Yosemite Valley, from near Big Oak Flat Road to just above Highway 140. Yosemite Hikes notes a viewing area at the bottom of the falls along Highway 140 and says the view is better if you park and get out of the car.

Plan your visit

Cascades viewing area on Highway 140 (El Portal Road) at the base of The Cascades

Yosemite Hikes describes a viewing area at the bottom of the falls along Highway 140. No walking distance is given.

Roadside viewing area. Stay off the wet rocks and out of the creek.

Where to start

Yosemite Hikes describes parking at the Highway 140 viewing area. Space and posted rules not verified.

Timing & water

Flow is strongest in spring and drops through summer. Road conditions vary; check park alerts.

Before you go

Yosemite charges an entrance fee; the standard entrance pass is $20 to $35 and the park does not accept cash. The park says it will not use a timed reservation system in 2026.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

Mariposa County, California.

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