Yosemite's Chilnualna Falls, near Wawona, viewed from 3 miles up the trail

This is Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite National Park, but not in the world-famous valley. South of Yosemite Valley is the historic area called Wawona. From the Wawona area, you can drive past an area called Redwood Cottages and reach the trailhead that leads to Chilnualna Falls. You can't see the tallest falls along Chilnualna Creek from Wawona because there's a big granite wall in the way. You have to hike up the trail about 3 miles before you can see it from the side, as in the photo above. Another mile up the trail, and you can stand at the brink of the falls. In about 4 miles of trail you gain about 2000 feet (about 700 meters) in elevation. This picture was taken in late spring after a wetter than average winter. During late summer, the water can be a bit warmer and the flow almost stopped. It was during a trip to the falls in August that Rick saw people soaking in the pools above the falls like hot tubs. There's even a pool right at the brink, so that people soaking in the "hot tub" can look over the edge and see the 240 foot drop right next to them. Backcountry camping is allowed beyond the falls.

As the water falls over the edge, it flows down along the granite wall, but also encounters pools along the way, causing the water to eject out away from the wall. You can see that effect in this photo. We also lucked into arriving at the right time of day to see the mist of Chilnualna Falls interact with sunlight to make a rainbow.

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!