About Volcano Falls
Volcano Falls is a named waterfall in Tulare County, California, located about 25 miles southwest of Lone Pine. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Kern Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°21′09″ N, 118°23′37″ W (36.35257, -118.39364). Historical sources also record the names Whitney Falls and Volcanic Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Golden Trout Creek (stream, 0.6 mi), Soda Spring (spring, 0.9 mi), and Coyote Creek (stream, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Chagoopa Falls, 8.1 miles to the north.
USGS gazetteer description: On Golden Trout Creek 0.96 km (0.6 mi) east of its junction with Kern River and 1.6 km (1 mi) north of Tower Rock. (US-T121)
More Photos
3 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Volcano 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 Volcano 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 Volcano Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Volcano Falls holds a 5.0 average from 1 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Volcano Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Golden Trout Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Soda Spring — spring, 0.9 mi
- Coyote Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- Tower Rock — summit, 1.0 mi
- Malpais Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- Natural Bridge — arch, 1.1 mi
- Overlook Mountain — summit, 1.7 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 36.35257, -118.39364. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Volcano Falls
- Salmon Creek Falls, CA31 mi south
- Roaring River Falls, CA32 mi northwest
- Mist Falls, CA33 mi north
- Fossil Falls, CA38 mi southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Volcano Falls located?
Volcano Falls is in Tulare County, California, about 25 miles southwest of Lone Pine. Its coordinates are 36.35257, -118.39364 (36°21′09″ N, 118°23′37″ W).
What town is closest to Volcano Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Lone Pine, CA, about 25 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Volcano Falls?
The closest is Chagoopa Falls (8.1 mi north). Others within reach include Tufa Falls (13 mi), Tokopah Falls (24 mi), and Cholollo Falls (25 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Volcano Falls?
Volcano Falls appears on the USGS Kern Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.