Thursday, February 17, 2011

Postcard from Yosemite–The Smallest Falls

yosemite_small_falls

Yosemite Valley is home to dozens of gigantic falls, some of which I’ve previously detailed here. With the valley being around 4,000 feet deep, the giant falls have a long spectacular drop. There is Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Ribbon Falls, and many others to numerous to name. And in springtime, there are even waterfalls that have no names.

But, in a quiet corner of the valley lies Yosemite’s smallest waterfall…called Fern Springs. Mostly ignored by tourists, it is actually quite easy to get to as it sits right by the road. There is even a small turnout to park your car.  As you enter the valley proper, the road splits in two and becomes one-way in each direction. Cross the Pohono Bridge and it is on your right. 

It is a natural spring bubbling up out of the earth. The water is quite drinkable. Like all Yosemite water, there is less of it in the autumn than in spring…and obviously this photo was taken in autumn…late October to be exact. And there is actually a second set of small falls just below what you see here.

Like all falls in this great valley, water from Fern Springs eventually flows into the Merced River. I hope someday I can go back in the springtime and photograph it again when the falls are full. 

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