Vernal Falls on a Spring Afternoon

after a tragically dry winter, rainbows bring hope

By Kirk van Gorkom

May 22^nd, 2022

Begin this quintessential hike in Happy Isles, a fen at the southeastern corner of Yosemite Valley. Streams beside the road feed ferns, cedars, and Bigleaf Maple trees. Enjoy them as you leave behind parking areas, campgrounds, and shuttle busses, on your way to the trailhead where the Mist Trail begins.

Stream and forest just south of Upper Pines Campground

View to the south of the Merced River from Happy Isles bridge

View to the north of the Merced River from Happy Isles bridge

California Live Oak tree roots present a stark reminder of the interaction of erosion and plant life

Bigleaf Maple trees shade the trail as it passes through granite boulders

Climbing 400ft over a little less than a mile brings us to the footbridge. This crossing of the Merced River offers a glimpse of Vernal Falls in the distance, as well as a chance to water and de-water at the last available drinking fountains and restroom.

Vernal Falls above rapids at the footbridge

Merced River cascading down from the footbridge below Vernal Falls

Mist trail footbridge over the Merced River

Looking down at maple trees and the river beside the last dry section of the Mist Trail

Register Rock is an historic site where a small structure once stood, collecting tolls from hikers passing by on the John Muir and Mist trails

As the trail climbs up and away beside the Merced River, looking down at continuous whitewater

Our first clear view of Vernal Falls provides a hint of rainbows to come

Spectacular views reward the 700 feet of climbing required to reach this spot. In the springtime, the setting sun is perfectly positioned to create rainbows in the mist coming off the water as it crashes 300 feet into the rocks below.