It’s one thing to hike to an overlook of a waterfall, but it’s another thing entirely to actually walk through one. You can do exactly that on this truly mesmerizing hike in Hetch Hetchy Valley. This region of Yosemite National Park is a real national treasure and exploring it is a must for any nature enthusiast. Considered one of the most popular hikes in the valley, the trail to Wapama Falls will lead you through the most breathtaking scenery before leading you to a bridge where you’ll walk through a waterfall. Wapama Falls in Northern California is an experience unlike any other so be sure to add it to your bucket list right away!

Editor’s Note: If the waterfall is too powerful for you to safely cross, please do not attempt. Use extreme caution when attempting this bridge.

The crowds can be hard to escape at Yosemite National Park, but Hetch Hetchy provides a wonderful respite in a remote region of the park. It's here you'll find the tranquil Wapama Falls Trail which will lead you right through a waterfall.
Phych99/TripAdvisor
The trail boasts some surprisingly stunning scenery despite the fact that it's a relatively simple, 4.6-mile trail. You don't have to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy the jaw-dropping views of Hetch Hetchy's most magnificent spots.
John Karwoski/Flickr
The trailhead is also pretty easy to find. From the parking lot, you'll cross O'Shaughnessy Dam before coming to a tunnel. The tunnel will lead you right to the Wapama Falls trailhead.
pingaroo/TripAdvisor
As soon as you start off on the trail, you'll witness the magnificent beauty that the valley has to offer. Waterfalls are flowing all around you, and you'll also come across the iconic rock formation known as Kolana Rock.
travelerfromsj/TripAdvisor

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After a couple of miles, you'll begin making your way down some rock steps. This portion of the trail is considered the most strenuous, so be sure to take your time. After all, you'll definitely want to spend a few moments taking in the view.
Krystina Romeo/AllTrails
After you've completed the stairs, you'll come across the bridge which leads you right across Wapama Falls. At 1,080-feet-high, getting to walk right through this towering waterfall is a real treat. Just be prepared to get wet!
Kerry whitfield/AllTrails
Crossing the bridge when the waterfall is raging directly above you is an experience unlike any other. You may come out the other side completely soaked, but it will all be totally worth it. As with all hiking trails in Northern California, this one comes with some risks. Exercise caution in this area and use common sense if the water is too powerful to cross the bridge.
Phych99/TripAdvisor
If you'd like to extend your hike after Wapama Falls, you can continue on the trail which ultimately leads you to Rancheria Falls. Along the way, you'll experience even more spectacular views of the valley, mountains, and waterfalls that reside in this little-known slice of paradise.
Bill Watson/AllTrails
Wapama Falls flows all year-round, so this hike is a must for anybody no matter what time of year it is. This is one seriously unique hike that you're bound to love, so start making plans to accomplish it soon.
MominMaryland08/TripAdvisor

Did you know about this unique waterfall hike in Hetch Hetchy? We can’t believe the trail to Wapama Falls in Northern California lets you walk right through it! For another awe-inspiring experience, check out This Northern California Hike That Takes You To Four Waterfalls.

Learn more about Wapama Falls on this Yosemite Hikes website.

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Wapama Falls in Northern California

Jackie Ann | April 14, 2021

What are the best waterfall hikes in Northern California?

With hundreds of stunning waterfalls spanning our Northern California landscapes, there are no shortage of unforgettable trails available for hikers to take in these splendid sights. The Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to Kings Creek Falls found along a 2.3-mile round-trip hike at a breathtaking elevation of 7,000 feet. This moderately difficult path meanders wildflower fields and ascends through the ruggedly beautiful terrain dotted with fir and pine trees before opening up to reveal an overlook of the rocky falls. Beautiful Burney Falls is located within the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, just outside of Redding. This dramatic waterfall cascades an impressive volume of 100 million gallons of water per day from a height of 129 feet.

What are the most beautiful hikes in Northern California?

Tucked away on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Woodside, The Filoli Nature Preserve is a hidden gem every nature lover should experience. This 654-acre estate boasts 16 acres of formal gardens featuring a variety of ecosystems from oak-madrone forests to redwood groves and natural springs to explore. The estate’s horticulturists draw inspiration for seasonal planting from historic photos of the grounds reflected in the classically designed Georgian-style terraces and English Renaissance-style sunken gardens. This meticulous attention to detail offers visitors a glimpse into the floral heritage of the estate with brilliant displays of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and blue violas which have bloomed here for over 100 years.

What are the best outdoor activities in Northern California?

When you are looking to get away from it all, escaping to the magnificent beauty of the High Sierra lakes is a great way to get back to nature. Spend a day casting a line in one of the region's high alpine lakes where anglers can find an abundance of quality, well-stocked spots to catch trout and unwind in the peaceful scenery. For a shorter but very sweet outdoor activity, take a relaxing stroll through the lush landscapes, peaceful pagodas, and coy-filled ponds of The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco. Originally built as a part of the 1894 World’s Fair California Midwinter International Exposition, these meticulously manicured gardens create a dreamy wonderland to explore the precision of classic Japanese landscape architecture.

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