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Whiskey Falls Trail
An easy hike to a 40-foot granite waterfall near Oakhurst.
About
Whiskey Falls Trail is an easy 2.9-mile out-and-back hike in Sierra National Forest, just outside North Fork and a short drive from Oakhurst. The path climbs a modest 177 feet through mixed forest and across a handful of snowmelt streams, following an old snowmobile route to a 40-foot waterfall that drops over a granite slab. Plan on roughly 1 to 1.5 hours round trip.
Getting There
The trailhead sits near Whisky Falls Campground, reached via CA-233 and Forest Road 8S70 out of North Fork. The access road is unpaved and rough in stretches — a high-clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicle helps, and downloading a GPS track beforehand is a smart move since the route through the forest isn't always obvious. Like most Sierra National Forest roads at this elevation, access is seasonal: it typically opens in June and closes with the first real snowfall.
When to See the Falls
Whisky Falls runs on snowmelt, so flow varies a lot by season. Spring and early summer bring the heaviest water over the granite; by late summer the falls can slow to a trickle or run dry entirely. If seeing real water is the point of your trip, aim for May or June.
Camping Nearby
Whisky Falls Campground sits about a mile from the falls and offers 14 first-come, first-served sites with vault toilets and no fee — but no potable water, so pack in what you'll need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Whiskey Falls Trail?
It's a 2.9-mile out-and-back hike with about 177 feet of elevation gain, rated easy and typically taking 1 to 1.5 hours round trip.
When is the best time to see Whiskey Falls?
May and June, right after the snowmelt peaks. By late summer the waterfall's flow drops off and can run dry.
How do you get to the Whiskey Falls trailhead?
Take CA-233 and Forest Road 8S70 out of North Fork toward Whisky Falls Campground. The road is unpaved and rough in places, and the seasonal route usually opens in June and closes at the first significant snowfall.
Is there camping near Whiskey Falls?
Yes — Whisky Falls Campground, about a mile from the falls, has 14 first-come, first-served sites with vault toilets and no fee, but no potable water.
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