About Tufa Falls
Tufa Falls is a named waterfall in Tulare County, California, located about 17 miles east of Three Rivers. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mineral King 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°26′38″ N, 118°35′53″ W (36.44382, -118.59814). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Miners Nose (summit, 0.4 mi), Eagle Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), and Monarch Creek (stream, 0.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Chagoopa Falls, 10 miles to the east.
Weather at Tufa Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Tufa Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
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 Tufa 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 Tufa Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Miners Nose — summit, 0.4 mi
- Eagle Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- Monarch Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Crystal Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Cold Spring — spring, 0.9 mi
- Eagle Sinkhole — basin, 1.0 mi
- Soda Spring — spring, 1.1 mi
- Mosquito Creek — stream, 1.2 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 36.44382, -118.59814. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Tufa Falls
- Cholollo Falls, CA27 mi south
- Ella Falls, CA29 mi northwest
- South Creek Falls, CA33 mi south
- Silver Spray Falls, CA34 mi north
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tufa Falls located?
Tufa Falls is in Tulare County, California, about 17 miles east of Three Rivers. Its coordinates are 36.44382, -118.59814 (36°26′38″ N, 118°35′53″ W).
What town is closest to Tufa Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Three Rivers, CA, about 17 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Tufa Falls?
The closest is Chagoopa Falls (10 mi east). Others within reach include Tokopah Falls (13 mi), Volcano Falls (13 mi), and Marble Falls (13 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Tufa Falls?
Tufa Falls appears on the USGS Mineral King 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.