South Fork Tuolumne Falls

South Fork Tuolumne Falls

Tuolumne County, California

Description

Click to view photo(s)

This is a trio (at least) of waterfalls near the confluence of the Middle and South Forks of the Tuolumne River. The Middle Falls is the tallest at 46'. The upstream-most waterfall is 25' and the downstream-most is 26'. However, these aren't even the best waterfalls at this confluence. Lower Middle Fork Tuolumne Falls is also just above the confluence and is 182'! Unbelievably, these waterfalls see much fewer visitors than the much smaller Rainbow Pool Falls upstream on the South Fork Tuolumne River. The road down to them is steep and narrow, but is very much worth the effort. In 2012, the gate and the start of the road was closed due to a rock slide that occurred over the road at the Middle Falls. Tape was also set up at the end of the bridge to stop foot traffic. Therefore, viewing the Middle and Lower Falls may not be safe until they clear the debris from the road (travel at your own risk). There was also probably a fourth waterfall just downstream of the third, but I did not take the time to negotiate the slick rocks to check it out.Location

South Fork Tuolumne Falls: 37.8282 N, 120.0197 W

Middle South Fork Tuolumne Falls: 37.8277 N, 120.0205 W

Lower South Fork Tuolumne Falls: 37.8270 N, 120.0212 W

USGS Topo: Jawbone Ridge

Directions

From Big Oak Flat, follow CA-120 east for ~15.5 miles and turn right onto Forest Route 1N07 (just before the bridge over the South Fork Tuolumne River). Follow this road as it passes Rainbow Pool Falls and under the highway to a smaller dirt road that comes in from the left. Park across the road from the intersection (right side) and walk down the smaller dirt road for ~0.6 miles to just before the bridge. The first waterfall is to the left. Cross the bridge and walk ~250' to get to the top of the second waterfall. The third waterfall is a further ~400' down at the end of the road.