This has been my family’s favorite secluded destination to go to over the years. The Cascade Falls are very easy to get to, yet very well hidden. It appears at one time, there was a well made trail, with concrete sections and railings, but it has long been abandon. The Cascade Falls is not well talked about or traveled at all. Hard to find any information on the web. Most people pull off the side of the road and park in the nicely paved and parking area, read the sign, view the falls, and continue on. However, there is really a gem up at the base of the falls. Park in the parking area and travel across the bridge. Once across the bridge, travel just a little bit more down the road until you see a faint trail going up the hill. The trail will start off faint, but it will get more noticeable the more you travel up it. Do NOT take any other trail or try to reach the falls via the rocks… you will be wasting your time and energy. This hidden trail takes you practically straight to the waterfall. I have attached some pictures to this Unilocal review of noticeable landmarks, which will show that you are on the right track. The trail only takes about 20 minutes. The trail will end at a concrete slab area with hand railings, then it will continue more up the side, towards the right. Just stay right as much as possible on the trail. Eventually, the trail will empty into the rocks. Now comes the fun part. You will need to climb a few rock areas to get the the base of the waterfall. I was able to climb the rocks with my 3 year old in a back pack on my back. My 7 and 11 year old kids made it and my friend’s 4 year old son was able to do it just fine. Each time we do this trail and see the Cascade Falls, we never encounter another set of hikers… that is how secluded it is! It is very tranquil and quiet up there. A great place to enjoy lunch and let the kids play in a good size pool area and of course, to venture under the waterfall. We have made trips up there in late July and the waterfall is minimal. We make sure every time we visit Yosemite, to venture up to Cascade Falls. Check out all my photos uploaded to this Unilocal review for precise location of the trail. Exact location of the parking area is at: Latitude: 37.723884 Longitude: –119.712149
