Middle Fork Tule River Falls

Sequoia National Forest / Porterville, California, USA

About Middle Fork Tule River Falls

For Subscribers Only. See Membership Options.

Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Middle Fork Tule River Falls is a short but sweet waterfall that we happened to notice while we were driving the twisty Hwy 190 between Springville and Ponderosa.

This waterfall (said to be 50ft though we think it might be shorter than that) resided in a part of the Sequoia National Forest that belonged to the Tule River District.

Middle_Fork_Tule_River_Falls_013_05292005 - Profile view of the Middle Fork Tule River Falls
Profile view of the Middle Fork Tule River Falls

According to the literature, there are many waterfalls on the Tule River, but for one reason or another, most of them are not safely accessible.

However, this waterfall was the exception to that statement although it wasn’t necessarily an easy thing to do to get close to it.

Scrambling to Middle Fork Tule River Falls

First, we had to identify the right pullout as there was no signpost indicating where to get started (see directions below).

Next, we had to descend on a fairly steep and primitive scramble where there was an easy-to-miss turnoff that ultimately led to a profile look at the Middle Fork Tule River Falls.

Middle_Fork_Tule_River_Falls_021_05292005 - Just to give you an idea of the scrambling we had to do to reach the hidden waterfall, here's a look at Mom trying to get through the foliage to get down to where I took this photo
Just to give you an idea of the scrambling we had to do to reach the hidden waterfall, here’s a look at Mom trying to get through the foliage to get down to where I took this photo

Continuing on the wrong path would’ve led to some unremarkable upper cascades.

I suspect that some young folks who think they’re indestructible might actually stream scramble downstream from here to the top of the falls.

Anyways, we were content with the view of the falls from the apparent end of the 1/4-mile (each way) scramble.

It was desirable to continue to see if there was a more frontal look at the falls from up this close.

Middle_Fork_Tule_River_Falls_003_05292005 - Distant frontal roadside view of the Middle Fork Tule River Falls from the Hwy 190 against the morning sun
Distant frontal roadside view of the Middle Fork Tule River Falls from the Hwy 190 against the morning sun

However, from what we were able to tell, the scrambling became steeper and more dangerous so we didn’t push the issue any further.

Indeed, the only decent frontal view that we managed to get was right from the Hwy 190 road though there was no formal pullout for it.

Authorities

Middle Fork Tule River Falls is in the Tule River District of Sequoia National Forest near Porterville in Tulare County, California. It is administered by the USDA Forest Service. For information or inquiries about this area as well as current conditions, visit their website or Facebook page.

Maps and Routing Content are for annual subscribers. See Membership Options.
Content is for subscribers. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: tule river, sequoia national forest, porterville, tulare, sierra, california, waterfall, ponderosa, giant sequoia, san pedro, camp wishon, tipton, bakersfield, western divide, camp nelson



Visitor Comments:

Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...

Tule river water fall September 8, 2014 12:52 am by Mike Hunt - I was going there with my friends in the early 70's when I was in high school. My brothers in the 60's. There was no trail, no trash, no other people and no writing on the rocks! You could park where ever you wanted on hwy 190. No cops. All there was, was respect for… ...Read More
Hiking with kids…… (@ Middle Fork Tule River Falls) September 18, 2011 5:10 am by Love2hike - This hike is worth it!! Although this hike is only about 30 min. The rocks are really slick and slippery. After climbing down off the trail onto the rocks you have to take off your shoes otherwise you have absolutely no traction. Even though we hiked down with our 5 and 7 year old kids… ...Read More

Share your thoughts about what you've read on this page

You must be logged in to submit content. Refresh this page after you have logged in.

Visitor Reviews of this Waterfall:

If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...

No users have submitted a write-up/review of this waterfall


Have you been to a waterfall? Submit a write-up/review and share your experiences or impressions

Review A Waterfall

Nearest Waterfalls



How To Build A Profitable Travel Blog In 4 Steps

Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.