Marble Falls (Giant Forest)
(Long, Lat)
Description:
Marble Falls is a series of wide cascades that swoop and scatter over white granite on the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River in Sequoia National Park. But the beauty of the falls is only one of its great features: the other is that its trail is open year-round to hiking, even when other trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks are closed down with heavy snow.
The Marble Fork Trail begins on a dirt road at the upper end of Potwisha Campground. After crossing a flume filled with flowing watrer in springtime, watch for a sign that marks the official start of the trail, which climbs a steep bank to the right.
You're in chaparral country here at 2,100' in elevation. It's hard to believe that this dry habitat is in the same park as all those giant sequoia trees and snowy peaks, but it's true. As the trail leads through hillsides covered with canyon oak, chamise, poison oak and yerba santa, you may find yourself wondering if you're in San Diego rather than the Sierra.
After the initial climb, the trail occasionally levels and curves into gullies where you'll find blessed shade and foliage that is more lively than the continual chaparral and oaks. Buckeye trees bloom in springtime in these marginally wet areas. Although you can hear the roar of the river continually as you hike, you are a few hundred feet above it. The ascent remains gradual but steady.
Amateur geologists will enjoy the many outcroppings of colorful marble, which increase in number underfoot and alongside the trail as you approach Marble Falls. At 3.5 miles, the trail descends to the river's edge near the falls. Take the short spur trail on your left (before the main trail ends) for a better view. Marble Falls drops in a series of cascades; the tallest is about 40'. Many of the cascades are upstream from the trail, in a rocky gorge and out of sight. Trying to reach them is dangerous and not recommended. (Beware fast water and slick granite.) Instead, choose a spot on the riverbank near the trail;'s end to watch the action.
Remember what's good about this trail in winter-that it's located at low elevation and snow-free--can be a curse in summer. With a 1,500' climb and little shade along the route, you don't want to be hiking here at midday in August. If you want to see Marble Falls in summertime, head out early in the morning, reach the falls by 9AM, and make the downhill return trip before the sun reaches high noon.
From Ann Marie Brown's book California Waterfalls.
Trips:
- March 29, 2014 - Meetup hike up the Marble Fork of the Kaweah to Marble Falls
References:
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| Lower Falls |
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| Middle Fork |
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