Discover Tokopah Valley and Falls

Starting from the Lodgepole Campground, this out-and-back follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River through a cathedral of red fir and sequoia-adjacent conifers, with massive granite walls rising on both sides like a miniature Yosemite Valley. The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat with a gentle uphill grade — think pleasant stroll, not leg workout. The path weaves between river-polished boulders and shaded forest, with the sound of rushing water as your constant companion. At the turnaround, Tokopah Falls cascades roughly 1,200 feet down a granite face in a series of dramatic tiers. Keep your eyes on the rocks near the falls — yellow-bellied marmots treat this spot like their personal resort, lounging shamelessly in the sun. This is the perfect trail for families, casual hikers, or anyone who wants a legit Sierra Nevada payoff without the suffering.