WATER WHEEL FALLS

BACKPACK FROM TUALOME MEADOWS TO WATERWHEEL FALLS

The peaks surrounding Tualome meadows sparkled bright white in the afternoon sun as we began our backpack to waterwheel falls.

Even though it was the middle of July, El-ninio's record snowfall in the Sierras left the the peaks covered with snow and the streams and rivers overflowing their bank.

After travelling about 3 miles and fording numerous streams, we decided to camp in the pleasant spot where we now stood after a rather chili crossing. We were both tired from a hard week at our jobs, the car trip to the mountains, and the hike.

The next morning we awoke refreshed and invigorated ready for the long day hike to waterwheel falls.

As we began hiking along the Tualome river, the river was wide and smooth -- covering much of the meadow through which it flowed. The snow capped peaks mirrored reflection from the water was as bright as the peaks themselves.

When the river left the meadow, it cascaded over boulders and falls with tremendous force.

We followed along the Tualome river passing numerous beautiful and impressive falls the entire hike. Many places we had to wade through flooded meadows. The cool water was very refreshing between our toes as the day was very warm.

Water Wheel Falls is different than your classic fall, it doesn't fall straight down. It is more of an explosion of water (At least with El-Ninio runoff) roaring down the side of the mountain

running into a large boulder that sends it shooting up into the air and forms a wheel.

As we neared the end of the long hike back up to our camp, the setting sun shining off the snow capped mountain reflecting on the mirroring water of the Tualome River made a beautiful sight.

After the 10 mile 1600ft elevation Water Wheel fall hike, we slept like babies. The next day we hiked out.