Photo Tips USA – Yosemite NP – The eastern Valley

Motifs in eastern Yosemite Valley

Even away from North and Southside Drive there are absolutely worthwhile motifs to discover. For example, the Merced River in the narrow side canyon of the Little Yosemite Valley holds the waterfalls Vernal and Nevada Falls, which are foaming over under the water masses of spring. From Happy Isles follow the Mist Trail to the southeast. After about 1,2 km (0.7 mi) and 120 m (390 ft) of elevation gain, you will reach the footbridge over the Merced River. From here, you have the first view of Vernal Fall to the east. It is only 300 m (980 ft) from here to the marked viewpoint View of Vernal Fall on a mighty boulder directly in the river. The distance from here is just right to combine the waterfall with the river in the foreground in a wide-angle shot.

The water of Vernal Fall, flowing fast and plentiful between April and June, makes it unnecessary to choose a long exposure time – The movement is impossible to miss. Since both waterfalls face west, they are treated to the warm light of the already low sun in the late afternoon (2-3 hours before sunset). Around 10:00 in the morning, you can witness the high spray clouds and the waterfalls themselves shining in the backlight. Up to the ridge of the 97 m (318 ft) deep falling Vernal Falls, you have to cover another 900 m (2,950 ft) on which the path gains 180 m (590 ft) in elevation. To do this, you have to master the 450+ steps that climb the right side of the waterfall. This section gave the trail its name: „Mist“ stands for the all-pervading fog of the churning water. To get through here in the spring, you’ll need either an underwater housing for your camera or some really tight-fitting plastic bags for your camera bag. Once at the top, enjoy the hopefully shining sun and dry your wet clothes. But just keep behind the barrier – all too many careless fellows have fallen to their deaths here!

Nevada Fall is another 3,2 km (2 mi) and 270 vertical meters (885 ft) upstream. Just follow the trail east past the fine Emerald Pool to the junction with the connecting trail to the John Muir Trail further south. This short trail gives a good view of the entire length of Vernal Fall halfway down. Continuing on to Nevada Fall, however, you must bear left at the junction and soon cross the Merced River on a simple wooden bridge, from which you can already see the upper part of Nevada Fall. This section of the Mist or North Trail takes you some distance from the river through the fir forest, but every now and then gives good views of the still higher waterfall. Unlike the stone steps at Vernal Fall, which you pass further down, the switchbacks of the final climb here maintain some distance from the overly wet element, allowing you to enjoy some really good side views.

To avoid having to go back the same way, you can connect to the John Muir Trail via the bridge above Nevada Falls. It does move away from the Merced River in a sweeping arc to the south, but it is easy walking throughout and offers new views from a high elevation at two points. You pass a massive rock overhang to reach the first, Nevada Fall Viewpoint, which offers views of the striking Liberty Cap and the 180 m (590 ft) Nevada Fall. Clark Point is situated 2,7 km (1.7 mi) further west and provides a view of both waterfalls. After a few switchbacks, you’ll reach the Mist Trail, which is located at the height of the Vernal Fall View.

A wide-angle lens in the 28 mm focal length range and a telephoto zoom should be sufficient to cover the subject areas along the trail. If you’re after long exposures, don’t burden yourself with a big tripod; a beanbag will hold the camera just as well, and rocks for support are plentiful.

Mirror Lake is located just below Half Dome in Tenaya Canyon, a side valley of Yosemite Valley in the northeast. Like many other bodies of water in the high country, it is silting up due to sediment washed in by rivers. Already, the bottom is visible everywhere, and there is no sign of its former grandeur. By the middle of the century, a fertile meadow is likely to stretch here. During the summer, the lake may go dry, but between March and June, Tenaya Creek still brings enough water to reflect beautiful images of Mount Watkins and Basket Dome in the late afternoon. – Then expose to the bright reflection and let the dogwood trees and firs, already in shadow on the shallow shores, drown into a black silhouette. You can reach Mirror Lake from the shuttle bus stop 18 via an easy 1,6 km (1 mi) walk along Tenaya Creek. Plan on a little more than the pure half-hour walk to spend some time with the small cascades of the creek. – They harmonize splendidly with the dogwood trees blooming in May along the way.

Distances via the Mist Trail 

From Happy Isles Nature Center 
(shuttle bus stop 16) . . .
To Vernal Fall Footbridge : 
2,2 km (1.4 mi) round trip, 120 m (394 ft) elevation gain, 1 ½ hrs

To Top of Vernal Fall : 
4,8 km (3 mi) round trip, 300 m (980 ft) elevation gain, 2 ½ hrs

To Top of Nevada Fall : 
11,2 km (7 mi) round trip, 570 m (1870 ft) elevation gain, 5 hrs

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