Alder Creek Falls

Dogs No Dogs

Features Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

The 100-foot Alder Falls is an infrequently-visited sight along Alder Creek. It runs year round, but spring (May-June) will have the most impressive flows. This is the shorter version of the Alder Creek hike, beginning at the Mosquito Creek trailhead on Wawona Road. For the longer version, start from the Alder Creek Trail on on Chilnualna Falls Road.

Parking at the Mosquito Creek pullout is very limited. If it's full, consider driving around to Wawona and doing the longer version of this hike from Alder Creek Trail. Or check out the Chilnualna Falls Trail instead.

The unmarked trailhead is near a pullout and bear box, where Mosquito Creek crosses Wawona Road. Climb uphill steadily through a regenerating burn area. You'll find plenty of solitude and early season wildflowers in abundance. At a small saddle, you'll come to a junction with the main Alder Creek Trail. Stay left here, heading east and uphill through denser forest. Contour around a serene hillside that forms the headwaters for Mosquito Creek.

For a time, the trail follows a defunct railroad bed. Travel about 1 mile along the rail grade through blasted out sections and over small streams that drain into Alder Creek. After some travel over more mellow terrain, you hear the crashing Alder Fall. Viewing the falls from the trail above as they cascade down a tiered and polished rock wall is a great experience- and one you'll likely have to yourself. There are nice spots here to sit and have a rest or snack. Off-trail bushwhacking to the base of the falls is not recommended (Note that the falls are much less impressive during droughts or late in summer).

The abandoned railroad bed is evidence of logging operations in the past century. Between 1920 and 1942 this area was clearcut by the Yosemite Lumber Company. You can still find old wooden ties, rails, and scattered debris as you walk along the trail.