Measuring 1,200 feet, Tokopah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Sequoia National Park. Tokopah Falls features a long series of steep picturesque cascades. The 3.4-mile round-trip hike is fairly gradual, gaining 600 feet up a trail that should be enjoyable for hikers of all abilities. The trail starts by following the north bank of the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River.
The single track wanders beneath tall pines and passes several small forest meadows. After a few creek crossings and two bridges, exit the forest and gain the first clear view of the waterfall. To the south, an impressive peak named, the Watchtower, rises 1,600 feet above Tokopah Valley, making the landscape even more dramatic.
Tokopah is long and elegant. To get to it, cross a rocky moraine over the last half mile of the U-shaped canyon. The trail remains gradual and passable as it maneuvers between large boulders, ending at the base of the impressive falls. Take pictures, take a break, and return the way you came.
The General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park is the largest (by volume) tree in the world. Computing the volume of a standing tree is the practical equivalent of calculating the volume of an irregular cone. For purposes of volume comparison, only the trunk of a giant sequoia is measured, including the restored volume of basal fire scars. Using these accepted standards and actual field measurements taken in 1975, the volume of the Sherman Tree was calculated to be slightly over 52,500 cubic feet (1,486.6 cubic meters).
Directions: About 4 hours from our area. Take the 170 N to the I-5 N to the 99 N. Take exit 30 toward the 65 N and turn right. Turn right on the 198 E and turn right on Mineral King Road.
