About First Falls
First Falls is a named waterfall in Inyo County, California, located about 9.0 miles west of Big Pine. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Coyote Flat 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°07′35″ N, 118°26′42″ W (37.12632, -118.44510). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include South Fork Big Pine Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), North Fork Big Pine Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), and Cienega Mirth (summit, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Second Falls, 0.8 miles to the northwest.
Weather at First Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at First Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of First Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of First Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- South Fork Big Pine Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- North Fork Big Pine Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- Cienega Mirth — summit, 1.0 mi
- Grouse Spring — spring, 1.1 mi
- Mount Alice — summit, 1.2 mi
- Willow Lake — lake, 1.9 mi
- Kid Mountain — summit, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.12632, -118.44510. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near First Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is First Falls located?
First Falls is in Inyo County, California, about 9.0 miles west of Big Pine. Its coordinates are 37.12632, -118.44510 (37°07′35″ N, 118°26′42″ W).
What town is closest to First Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Big Pine, CA, about 9.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near First Falls?
The closest is Second Falls (0.8 mi northwest). Others within reach include Triple Falls (12 mi), Blue Canyon Falls (22 mi), and Mist Falls (22 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows First Falls?
First Falls appears on the USGS Coyote Flat 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.