Tokopah Falls
Tokopah Falls probably has the tallest cumulative drop of the known and accessible waterfalls in Sequoia National Park. Said to drop some 1200ft at the head of Tokopah Valley, this cascade tumbles as it twists and turns its way down into the Middle Fork Kaweah River. Watching over the whole scene is the so-called Watchtower. To access this waterfall, find the car park near the camping areas just east of Lodgepole. You'll want to park your car somewhere near the bridge that traverses the Middle Fork Kaweah River. Once you start the hike, go over the bridge then follow the trail which follows the river the rest of the way for about 1.7 miles (3.4 miles return). This waterfall can dry up in late summer so it's best to come here during the peak of the spring thaw around late May. However, we were here on Memorial Day Weekend in 2005 (when California received record precipitation) and snow still lingered here. It is also possible to look down upon this impressive cascade on a different, more strenuous trail to the Watchtower, which leaves from Wolverton.
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My parents approaching the impressive waterfall
Mom looking at part of the falls from the end of the trail
Some ephemeral cascades right in front of the feature waterfall all happening under the watch of the Watchtower
Another ephemeral waterfall tumbling against the sun below the Watchtower
