Disappearing Waterfalls
At certain times of the year some of the
Valley's Waterfalls disappear. Bridalvail
keeps flowing even in late summer,
when Yosemite Falls begins to dry up.
Above Yosemite Falls the terrain is
largely bare granite; runoff is rapid.
Bridalvail Creek's green upper valley
has more vegetation and deeper soil
that absorb rain and snowmelt, slowing
runoff to a relatively steady flow.
Recognizing that the vegetation above
helps feed the falls, John Muir pushed
for expansion of the park area to
protect the entire watershed.
It is a 200-yard walk to the base of the
fall. Be prepared for heavy spray, and
watch your footing on the wet pathway.
