About Wapama Falls
Wapama Falls is a named waterfall in Tuolumne County, California, located about 19 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Lake Eleanor 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°57′59″ N, 119°45′56″ W (37.96631, -119.76545). Historical sources also record the names Macomb Falls and Hetch Hetchy Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Falls Creek (stream, 0.2 mi), Hetch Hetchy Dome (summit, 0.7 mi), and Kolana Rock (summit, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Tueeulala Falls, 0.4 miles to the west.
1,080-ft. waterfall with 3 drops, reachable by a 2.5-mile hike from the O'Shaughnessy Dam.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite National Park, 0.48 km (0.3 mi) north of the mouth of Falls Creek at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. (US-T121)
More Photos
411 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Wapama 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 Wapama 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 Wapama 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
Wapama Falls holds a 4.6 average from 62 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Wapama Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Falls Creek — stream, 0.2 mi
- Hetch Hetchy Dome — summit, 0.7 mi
- Kolana Rock — summit, 1.0 mi
- Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River — valley, 1.8 mi
- Hetch Hetchy Valley — valley, 1.8 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 37.96631, -119.76545. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Wapama Falls
- Wildcat Falls, CA17 mi south
- Little Nellie Falls, CA17 mi south
- Yosemite Falls, CA17 mi southeast
- Ribbon Fall, CA17 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wapama Falls located?
Wapama Falls is in Tuolumne County, California, about 19 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.96631, -119.76545 (37°57′59″ N, 119°45′56″ W).
What town is closest to Wapama Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 19 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Wapama Falls?
The closest is Tueeulala Falls (0.4 mi west). Others within reach include Rancheria Falls (3.1 mi), Preston Falls (8.5 mi), and Jawbone Falls (12 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Wapama Falls?
Wapama Falls appears on the USGS Lake Eleanor 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.