"Shadow Falls"

"Shadow Falls" is a name I've made up for this surprise cascade that I happened to see during a hike out to the scenic Shadow Lake. As a matter of fact, this waterfall drains Shadow Lake as it ultimately tumbles mostly unseen down a mini-granite gorge eventually joining the San Joaquin River.

I think of this waterfall as more of a side attraction to Shadow Lake, which is a very attractive lake backed by Mt Ritter and a few other mountains whose names I don't remember. The water in the lake seemed to change color from a deep emerald blue towards some slight shades of green around its banks as the sun went higher on the horizon the morning we showed up in late August 2010.

The most visible part of the cascade was about 2/3rd of the way up a series of switchbacks as the trail made a steep climb towards the mouth of Shadow Lake. The hike itself was not trivial as we had to go about 3 miles from the Agnew Meadow trailhead (I believe Thousand Island Lake backpackers start from here as well, which explained why there were so many cars at the trailhead) with a slight decline towards a basin or valley before making the steep climb up to the lake on the other side of that basin. So if you've made it far enough to see the interesting cascade, you mind as well get all the way to the top to see Shadow Lake.

We've seen lots of backpackers or very fit hikers continue beyond this lake, but this provided good enough exercise for a lake excursion done as a day hike (there aren't many you can do comfortably without backcountry backpacking).

Directions: From the intersection of Main St, Minaret Rd, and Lake Mary Rd (there's a traffic light) in Mammoth Village, turn right to remain on Minaret Road (Hwy 203) and drive for about 15-20 minutes to the Mammoth Summit Ski Area. Here's where you pick up the mandatory shuttle ($7 per person; National Parks Pass not accepted).

If you happen to show up before 7am or after 7:30pm, continue driving 2.6 miles beyond the entrance booth along Minaret Rd until you see the turnoff for Agnew Meadows (about 0.6 miles on unsealed road from the paved Minaret Road).

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Early birds tend to get bonus wildlife sightings like this one

Approaching the basin within the cool shadow of early morning

Olaine Lake, which we saw en route to the falls

Crossing the valley or basin

Taking a breather during the climb to take a look down towards the valley

Fighting the shadows and lighting to get this view of "Shadow Falls"

The trail ultimately reaches the top of the falls up ahead

Looking down towards the bottom of the hidden cascade and the valley below

Continuing beyond the top of the "Shadow Falls" towards the mouth of Shadow Lake

Shadow Lake backed by Mt Ritter

Some shades of green starting to show in the lake as the sun continued to rise

Starting the hike back to the trailhead

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Top down sweep of the falls ending downstream towards San Joaquin Basin

Semi-circular sweep from right to left of the uppermost portion of the cascade and ending towards some knobs and peaks in the background

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TRIP REPORTS

• August 20, 2010

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NEARBY WATERFALLS

• Minaret Falls
• Rainbow Falls

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