Silver Strand Falls | World Waterfall Database

CATALOGED
This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Silver Strand Falls is the western-most waterfall within Yosemite National Park's Yosemite Valley. Meadow Brook drains from a small basin north of Badger Pass and enters Yosemite Valley via this fall between Old Inspiration Point and Stafford Point. The basin feeding the falls is small and though during the melt season the volume can be significant enough that the falls are rather impressive, Meadow Brook will consistently run dry by the middle of July, if not sooner.

Most citations of Silver Strand Falls give an incorrect height of 1,170 feet for the falls. Like many of the other waterfalls in Yosemite Valley, it is thought that this figure was arrived at by USGS surveyor Francois Matthes in 1916. The current USGS El Capitan quadrangle shows this to be nearly double the actual height of around 560 feet, so how Matthes arrived at his measurement is a mystery. Ice climbers have reported the falls to stand 574 feet, however this may be taking into account frozen sections of the streambed which would otherwise not conform to the definition of Waterfall which we adhere to.

Seasonal Discharge
This waterfall occurs along a stream that is known to vary greatly in volume and as a result may not flow consistently year round or may dry out completely during certain periods.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Also Known as: Inspiration Falls, Meadow Brook Falls, Widow's Tears
Silver Strand Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

Because Silver Strand is more difficult to see from the valley floor, it seems to have been missed by the Mariposa Battalion's initial survey of Yosemite Valley. Early guides were said to have referred to the fall as Inspiration Fall, but the name was never commonly used. For many years it was referred to as Widow's Tears for the fact that it flowed for a very short period - a name which was deemed so offensive by one visitor that he suggested it be referred to as Meadow Brook Falls, around which time both names fell into disuse. Francois Matthes was responsible for proposing the current name in 1927.

Our thoughts

Silver Strand Falls is an almost universally overlooked waterfall. The best viewpoint to see the falls from is the famous Tunnel View along the Wawona Road, where the looming spector of Yosemite Valley itself overwhelms the senses and Silver Strand Falls is merely a spec of dust in comparison. If you find yourself at Tunnel View, make the extra effort to turn your head 45 degrees to the right and look up on the valley wall to see a waterfall which deserves much more attention than it receives.

Location and directions

Silver Strand Falls are best seen from Tunnel View along the Wawona Road within Yosemite National Park. It may also be possible to hike cross-country from the Pohono Trail and achieve a side view of the falls from the rim of the valley just west of the top of the falls (expect dangerous, unguarded clifftop vistas if this is possible).

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Silver Strand Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Widow's Tears	0.23 mi / 0.37 km
Bridalveil Fall	1.51 mi / 2.42 km
Fireplace Creek Falls	1.81 mi / 2.9 km
Ribbon Fall	2.49 mi / 3.98 km
Cascades, The	2.88 mi / 4.6 km
Horsetail Falls	2.9 mi / 4.63 km
Wildcat Falls	2.92 mi / 4.68 km
Tamarack Falls	3.07 mi / 4.92 km
Grouse Creek Falls	3.2 mi / 5.12 km
Eagle Creek Cascade	3.54 mi / 5.66 km

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Photography tips

The closest roadside view of Silver Strand Fall is from nearly a mile away, so more powerful zoom lenses are necessary to achieve a good picture. The falls face northwest and are well lit during the afternoon and early evening hours. Shortly before sunset, the late day sun will cast a very nice golden glow on the falls.

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Silver Strand Falls Mariposa County, California, United States