Foresta Fall
Foresta Fall is a lesser known Yosemite waterfall near the community of Foresta. Photo: Tony McDaniel
Foresta cascades on the way to Foresta Fall
Foresta Fall
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Foresta Fall

Foresta Fall

Northern Yosemite

Overview

Distance: 1.8 miles (2.9 km) out and back
Elevation: 300 feet (91 m)
Difficulty: Relatively easy, though since it starts downhill, be sure to save some energy for the return trip.
Time: 1 hour
Begin at: the end of Foresta Road before the road closed sign. Please be mindful of where you park and don’t block driveways in the neighborhood.

If not for the grand waterfalls that surround it, Foresta Fall could be an attraction in its own right, but in a neighborhood with giants like Bridalveil Fall or Vernal Fall, few people make the trip to this quiet waterfall located in Foresta, and is a fitting reward for those who make the effort to take the road less traveled.

The waterfall runs year-round, but is at its most impressive during the spring and early summer months. It is also a west-facing waterfall, so photographers will find the best light in the afternoon hours.

Getting There

Park at the end of Foresta Road near the Road Closed sign, and begin the walk down a dirt road which ultimately leads all the way to El Portal and is a popular and challenging running and mountain biking trail.

The community of Foresta is one of just three islands of private land completely surrounded by Yosemite National Park, which is home to a small number of homes and vacation rental cabins. Please do not park in yards or in driveways. This is a quiet community of both vacation rentals and residents, so please respect the locals.

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