Silver Strand Fall in Yosemite Valley's west end, above Tunnel View

One of the famous viewpoints in the world is the Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park. If you're at this view point earlier in the year, spring and early summer, you should also make a point of turning to your right (south) and looking for this waterfall, Silver Strand Fall. It drops about 574 feet (175 m), according to the wikipedia entry, though the topographic map shows it as 400 ft (123m). The creek flows under the road farther downhill and eventually joins the Merced River. Since it's fed by melting snow, it's usually gone by midsummer, but this year, 2019, was an especially wet year in California, so it was still flowing well in mid-June, when this picture was taken.

It's easy for people to get caught up in looking at the Valley, but with a little extra looking around, you can find this gem.

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

The Tunnel View of Yosemite Valley

This is the famous Tunnel View of Yosemite Valley.  El Capitan, the largest granite monolith in the world, is to the left, Bridal Veil Falls and the Cathedral Rocks are on the right, and Half Dome is tucked into the back with Clouds Rest, 1,000 feet higher, beyond.  Visitors can get this view by driving up to the Wawona Tunnel and turning off at the viewpoint, or, if coming in from the south, driving through the tunnel and turning off immediately after it ends. The tunnel is about a mile long and you're expected to turn on your car's headlights while you're inside it. Don't be surprised if someone else in the tunnel starts honking their car's horn. Some drivers like to hear the echo of their horn.

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