About The Cascades
The Cascades is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 7.4 miles west of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the El Capitan 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°43′37″ N, 119°42′47″ W (37.72687, -119.71295). Historical sources also record the name Yiyanto. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Tamarack Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), Cascade Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), and Wildcat Creek (stream, 0.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Wildcat Falls, 0.3 miles to the southwest.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite National Park, 0.48 km (0.3 mi) north of the mouth of Cascade Creek on the Merced River and 1.4 km (0.9 mi) north of Elephant Rock. (US-T121)
Weather at The Cascades
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 The Cascades
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 The Cascades. 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 The Cascades. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Tamarack Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Cascade Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Wildcat Creek — stream, 0.4 mi
- The Rostrum — bench, 0.6 mi
- The Gateway — gap, 0.8 mi
- Elephant Rock — pillar, 0.9 mi
- Turtleback Dome — summit, 1.0 mi
- Coyote Creek — stream, 1.1 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 37.72687, -119.71295. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near The Cascades
- Horsetail Fall, CA4.6 mi east
- Chinquapin Falls, CA4.8 mi southwest
- Sentinel Fall, CA6.4 mi east
- Lower Yosemite Fall, CA6.6 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Cascades located?
The Cascades is in Mariposa County, California, about 7.4 miles west of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.72687, -119.71295 (37°43′37″ N, 119°42′47″ W).
What town is closest to The Cascades?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 7.4 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near The Cascades?
The closest is Wildcat Falls (0.3 mi southwest). Others within reach include Silver Strand Falls (2.8 mi), Foresta Falls (3.5 mi), and Ribbon Fall (3.6 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows The Cascades?
The Cascades appears on the USGS El Capitan 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.