How about a hike to one of Yosemite’s “secret” waterfalls? If you go in the spring, you can also see a nice variety of wildflowers.
Highlights: Experiencing a little visited waterfall in Yosemite where you pretty much have the place to yourself is well worth the hike and in the springtime, you can see a wide variety of wildflowers. “The best waterfall that no one ever sees” is how one hiker described this hike.
The trailhead is located at a hairpin turn on the Wawona Road off of Hwy 41 in Yosemite National Park at Mosquito Creek. There is a small turnout and one bear box on the inside part of the curve. The unmarked trail begins on the other side of the road.
We had seen a large, vivid display of Lupine at the intersection of Wawona Rd. and Hwy 41 and thought it was worth a chance to do this hike a few weeks earlier than we normally do. Since it had been such a dry year, we had hoped for an early display of flowers, expecially one of our favorites, the Harlequin Lupine that usually blankets the trail along the beginning of it. Well, we were early, but did spot a few.
Harlequin Lupine
As we headed up the trail, we noticed how dry the trail was. Areas along the trail that previously had small streams crossing it and boggy areas were totally dry. We had some treats along the way with several types of wildflowers. I think this is Slender Larkspur.
Pretty Face
Applegate’s Paintbrush
Yosemite National Park’s website suggests that Snow Plant is” named for its color, which is said to resemble snow over which a bear has just vivisected an unwary tourist.” But they add that some people claim instead that Snow Plant got its name because it’s one of the first spring flowers to appear, just after snowmelt.” Now, that first one was a new one to me, but I guess you never really know. . .
The Dogwoods were just starting to bloom in this area.
Alder Creek Falls (And Beyond) Hike
Where: Yosemite National Park
Distance: 13 Miles (depending on how far you hike beyond the falls)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Range: 4,023′ – 5,862′
Date: May 3, 2013