Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2021/2022

T he Eastern Sierra Nevada has a lot: scenic vistas, solid camping opportunities, an angler’s paradise — and waterfalls aplenty. “Some of our beautiful falls can be seen from vista points along mountain roads that will take you well into the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Sierra Nevada,” according to the Bishop Visitors Cen- ter. “Many more can only be seen from hiking trails within our na- tional forest and wilderness areas. That means a visit to a wild and scenic waterfall in the Sierra Nevada is an extraordinary experience … You could spend a day, a week, a month, or a lifetime here and every experience will be unique and enchanting.” Some waterfalls can be seen from the roadway or a parking spot, others require a more extensive a walk to reach. “A trip to an Eastern Sierra waterfall can be a solitary experience, a romantic getaway, or a family, fun adventure. It all depends on what you or your group need and want,” the Visitor’s Center states. “A quick drive up to a viewing site can be an easy and delightful side trip on a long journey. A lengthy hike or overnight camping trip requires expe- rience and planning. A short hike should also be suitably planned so that all hikers are properly clothed, equipped, have enough snacks and water, and in good enough shape for a couple of miles at alti- tude.” Backcountry waterfalls are generally only accessible in summer and hikes may take a half-day, full-day, or multiple days – depending on which you choose and how you plan your adventure. A late summer or autumn adventure can still offer spectacular views of waterfalls. Late blooming wildflowers or the changing colors of autumn leaves nearby a perennial tumbling waterfall is magical. Here’s a few to consider visiting, according to the Bishop Visitor Center. Darwin Falls, Death Valley Best seen during the fall and winter months (Death Valley sum- mers are understandably brutal), Darwin Falls offers an awesome sight. It does require a hike to reach. Darwin Falls is in Death Valley National Park about 50 miles east of Lone Pine. It is a series of falls and cascades on Darwin Creek, which is one of only four perennial streams in all of Death Valley NP. The lower fall is visible after a hike of about one mile, with a little over 500 feet of elevation gain. It is a surprising oasis in this vast, dry country. It’s best to visit this area during the cooler, winter months. Although the hike is fairly easy with the first .7 miles being fairly flat, it is hot and sunbaked. The final quarter-mile is in the treed, riparian area and the trail climbs about 500 feet. Remember you’ll be walking back along this trail too. All in all, it’s a hot, dry hike so cover up and take plenty of water. From US-395 turn east onto CA-136 just south of Lone Pine. Fol- low the road, which becomes CA-190, for 49.1 miles. At the bottom of a winding grade below Father Crowley Vista Point turn right onto an unmarked dirt road, known as the Old Toll Rd. Stay on this road for 2.4 miles until you reach the trailhead parking lot. Continue on foot along the trail. Lone Pine Creek Waterfall, Whitney Portal Located in the majestic entrance to Mount Whitney, the waterfall is a big cascade and series of small falls drops down Lone Pine Creek. A 20-minute drive of 11.8 miles west of Lone Pine will deliver you to the busy parking lot, hiker trailhead, and campground. Because of its lo- cation and the activity it generates, climbing in the Mt. Whitney area requires a permit. As such, finding a parking space on a good summer day can require a little patience, but it will be worth the wait. The main falls, a long, large cascade is obvious from the south-western end of the parking lot loop. It can be heard before it is seen. First Falls and Second Falls, Big Pine Want that iconic image of water under a bridge? First Falls at Big Pine Creek presents that opportunity. These falls are located along Big Pine Creek about 10 miles west of Big Pine. From US-395 turn west on W. Crocker Ave. Follow the road, which becomes Glacier Lodge Rd., for 10.5 miles to where it ends at the trailhead parking area. The hike to First Falls is an easy quarter-mile hike with less than 200 feet of elevation gain. The trail crosses this impressive cascade over a wide, sturdy wooden bridge. It’s a popular photo spot with all the elements for great people and nature pics. Second Falls is another location on Big Pine Creek, a hike of nearly two miles further down the same trail as First Falls. It’s also a good workout to reach because it’s 1,000 feet hike. These two hikes make a wonderful later summer afternoon hike of 4-miles round trip. The creek is alongside much of the trail with in- termittent views of the cascade. The sounds of the burbling creek and powerful cascades will accompany you as you hike. Mist Falls, Bishop This waterfall, near Bishop, can be seen from roadside and offers a must-see for anyone doing a drive through the area. The falls them- selves are located on private property so it’s really a from the road spot. From the center of town follow W. Line St. toward the Sierra Ne- 28 2021-2022 Scenic 395 Big Pine ' ' %"' $ &&$ ' % ' %"& ' ' & %! ' % # "$ $ !% & # % $!& #"&' #$&! !"# # $%& # $ ' # ( # )# ( )#*# ! ' $ + ) % ! $ ,, * $ - .++ / / % - , # % 0. $ % $ -- /1$. # " / - ). - % . $ 2 + % . * ' Waterfall wonders in the Eastern Sierra Continued on Page 29 COURTESY PHOTO First Falls on Big Pine Creek.