Lewis Creek Trail: Two Waterfalls Near Yosemite

About

Lewis Creek Trail follows an old lumber-flume route through the forest between Fish Camp and Oakhurst, just off Highway 41 south of Yosemite's entrance station. The out-and-back climbs alongside Lewis Creek to two waterfalls, Corlieu Falls and Red Rock Falls, gaining 977 feet over 3.7 miles round trip.

The Waterfalls

Corlieu Falls sits close to the trailhead, a tiered drop shaded by cedar and pine. Push farther up the canyon and the trail reaches Red Rock Falls, a wider cascade tumbling over reddish granite. Both run strongest in spring; by late summer they thin to a trickle.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.7 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 977 feet
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep, rocky stretches
Best season: March through November
Trailhead: Off Highway 41, between Fish Camp and Oakhurst

Good to Know

Dogs are welcome on leash. Watch your footing near both falls — the rocks stay slick even when the trail looks dry, and there's no bridge where the trail crosses the creek. Look for remnants of the old flume the Sugar Pine Lumber Company once used to float milled lumber more than 50 miles to Madera; it's part of what earned this route National Recreation Trail status.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Lewis Creek Trail?

The out-and-back to Corlieu Falls and Red Rock Falls covers 3.7 miles with about 977 feet of elevation gain — plan on two to three hours for most hikers.

Where does the trail start?

The main trailhead is off Highway 41 between Fish Camp and Oakhurst, a short drive from Yosemite's south entrance.

Are dogs allowed on Lewis Creek Trail?

Yes, dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a leash.

When is the best time to hike it?

The Forest Service lists March through November as the trail's best season; the waterfalls run fullest in spring after snowmelt and thin out by late summer.