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Mist Falls

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (28)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Kings Canyon National Park
  5. Cedar Grove
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“Hike along the South Fork of the Kings River to cascading 100 foot waterfalls. ”

Konner Keefer
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Map Key

8.2

Miles

13.1

KM

Out and Back

5,780' 1,762 m

High

5,046' 1,538 m

Low

805' 245 m

Up

804' 245 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Overview

The hike to Mist Falls is a scenic and rewarding trek in Kings Canyon National Park, following a well-maintained trail along the South Fork of the Kings River. The route starts off gently before climbing through granite canyons and lush forests, leading to the powerful Mist Falls. The cascade is especially impressive in late spring and early summer when the water is roaring. This is a popular day hike with great views, but be prepared for sections of sun exposure, especially in the open valley at the beginning of the trail.

Need to Know

No permit is required for day hikes, but an overnight wilderness permit is needed if continuing past Paradise Valley. The trailhead is at Road's End; parking can fill up on weekends, so arrive early.

Description

The trail starts at the Road's End Ranger Station at the southeast corner of the loop at the end of the road. You can park at either lot, although the southern lot (the first one you'll come to) has more shade. The hike starts in a wide valley and gradually narrows as you approach the confluence where the Kings River forks.

After about 2 miles you'll take a left to follow the South Fork of the Kings River. If you cross the Bailey Bridge, you've gone the wrong way—though the bridge does offer great views, so it might be worth a quick detour on the way back. From here to the waterfall there are no other trail intersections, so just keep following the trail until you reach the well-signed and visible Mist Falls. Keep in mind that there are some steep, unmarked drop-offs as the trail climbs through the canyon.

When you get to the falls, you might consider following the trail up a bit further for different views looking down from the top of the waterfall. If you have the time, continuing a few extra miles to Paradise Valley is well worth it.

Flora & Fauna

Rattlesnake are reasonably common in the area, so keep an eye out for them. Black bears also live here; store food properly and be aware of wildlife.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Shared By:

Konner Keefer with improvements by Lani Advokat
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 28 votes

#2

in Cedar Grove

#502

Overall
  4.4 from 28 votes
5 Star
54%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Cedar Grove

#81

in California

#502

Overall
14 Views Last Month
7,336 Since May 29, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Add a Photo

Photos

Palmer Mountain
Apr 26, 2019 near Big Pine, CA
Top of Mist Falls
Apr 26, 2019 near Big Pine, CA
Looking down towards roads end, going counter clock wise on the loop
Oct 30, 2018 near Big Pine, CA
Another view of Mist Falls.
Mar 14, 2016 near Big Pine, CA
Mist Falls
Apr 26, 2019 near Big Pine, CA
Bubbs Creek flows fully after a wet winter.
Jun 2, 2017 near Lone Pine, CA

1 Comment

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 4, 2024
Jerome Catrouillet
8.5mi — 3h 30m
Nov 5, 2022
April Amaral
Oct 16, 2022
Mike Nugent
Sep 22, 2022
Ryan F
9mi
Aug 27, 2022
Manoj Abey
9.6mi
Jun 18, 2022
Scott Piper
Jun 17, 2022
Marc Corona
May 21, 2022
Shann Yu
Flat for the first half and mostly on sand. Great viewpoints and wildlife start becoming common from around the bridge (which this trail won't cross). — 3h 30m

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