Updated July 2026
Wapama Falls
Wapama Falls drops over 1,000 feet down the north wall of Hetch Hetchy Valley along Falls Creek and is the second most powerful waterfall in California after Yosemite Falls. The trail from O'Shaughnessy Dam is about 5 miles round-trip with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain and crosses footbridges at the base, which can flood during peak runoff.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check National Park Service (Yosemite National Park, Hetch Hetchy) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Where to stay near Wapama Falls, California
Top-rated places to stay near Wapama Falls, California
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Wapama Falls, California?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Wapama Falls, California — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wapama Falls drops about 1,080 feet. That makes it the 8th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 99% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Wapama Falls Trail (from O'Shaughnessy Dam) reaches it about 5 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 507 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Mather. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with National Park Service (Yosemite National Park, Hetch Hetchy) for closures and current conditions.
Spring (April-May). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More California waterfalls
- Alamere Falls · 40 ft
- Bassi Falls · 109 ft
- Berry Creek Falls · 70 ft
- Big Falls · 500 ft
- Bridalveil Fall · 617 ft
- Burney Falls · 129 ft
- Carlon Falls · 35 ft
- Cascade Falls · 200 ft
Sources
Get trip conditions by email
Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.