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raging river by NatureKopelli  Overview This hike has it all: great views, well maintained and easy to follow trail, hike next to an amazing river, some elevation change to get the heart pumping a little, and a refreshingly cool and misty waterfall that engages all your senses. Hike The hike begins at the Copper Creek trailhead located at the end of highway 180. A small permit station is located at the trailhead. The hike begins on a level, sandy surface in an open area with views of the canyons rising up on all sides. The first two miles of the hike are fairly level, then the trail takes a left turn to Mist Falls. From this point, the climb, which is gradual and hardly noticeable, begins. This section of the hike is in the shade of a forest along a raging river cascading over boulders. At one point, the hike reaches a large granite overlook point with views of the surrounding canyons, the river and forest below. From this point, the falls are a short distance away and marked by a sign along the trail. One can continue on to Paradise Valley and other connecting hikes. The falls are misty, so protect your camera equipment if this is a concern. The ranger at the permit station advised to watch for bears and rattlesnakes along the trail. I did see one rattlesnake along the trail, and a passing hiker reported seeing bears in the Paradise Valley area. Make sure to remove all food, toiletries and scented items from your car and place in the bear container located at the trailhead. If backpacking, make sure to put food into approved bear canisters on your hike. No pets are allowed on this trail. Note In the summer, the temperature in the canyon can reach into the 100s. It was 100 degrees on my hike in July. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
Sequoia NP NPS Details Mist Falls This sandy trail follows the glaciated South Fork Canyon through forest and chaparral, past an impressive show of rapids and cascades, to one of the largest waterfalls in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The first part of this 8-mile round trip is relatively flat; during the last mile to the falls, the trail gains 600'. The average time for this trip is 4 to 5 hours. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Review
Mist Falls - South Fork Kings River
After booking a flight back to Fresno weeks previous for work and forgetting about the holiday, decided to make lemonade out of lemons. Sequoia National Park is a short drive from the airport in Fresno and I wanted to check out the area anyway, so after I landed at noon and checked into the hotel - I headed east to the Park. I was soon paying my $20 entry fee and heading to the nearest grove of monster Sequoia trees. That was about two miles after the pay station on Highway 180 at Grant's Grove. Here a very well laid out path system walks you through some of the biggest and most beautiful trees I have ever seen. Most are standing tall, a few have fallen - one which you can walk right through! Spent an hour here and then continued for about an additional hour down 180 through Kings Canyon. Beautiful scenery and a winding mountain road all added to the excitement and fun of getting to the trailhead. Once at the trailhead, it was already four o'clock and I knew I had at least nine miles to go round trip - so I quickly began my journey. Very well maintained trail and very easy on the legs (lots of sand, fallen needles and such making for a cushioned walk unlike the concrete like nature of most AZ trails). Passed many hikers coming off the trail, but I was the only one coming on at this time. Being an AZ hiker and not knowing exactly what to do if I came across a bear, I was a bit nervous - but I continued on. I reached the falls at about six. Signage warned of not going out onto the slippery rocks near the falls, but being very careful - I moved on out for pictures and some end of the trail introspection. After not taking what would have been my last waterslide ride - headed back to the trailhead - not passing anyone along the way, (or anything outside of a deer which bolted out in front of me - causing my heart to jump nearly as high as the deer!) I made it back to the car for a fun ride at dusk (no company on the roadways allowed me to do my best Speed Racer impersonation on the winding turns). All in all, I was very glad I made the mistake with my flight to have had a chance to experience this wonderful area and would recommend it to all.
2009-05-25 Chriskup
