Tributaries of the Merced River cascade over the cliffs surrounding the valley and form some of the world’s highest and most beautiful waterfalls. Yosemite Falls, which plunges 739 m (2425
ft) from Yosemite Creek, is the tallest waterfall in North America.
It has three sections: Upper Yosemite Fall, with a drop of 436 m (1430 ft); a series of leaping cascades falling another 206 m (675 ft);
and Lower Yosemite Fall, which drops 98 m (320 ft). Other celebrated cataracts are Ribbon Fall, with an uninterrupted drop of 491 m (1612 ft); Bridalveil Fall, which is 189 m (620 ft) high and ends in a delicate
misty spray; and 97-m (317-ft) Vernal Fall, which is noted for the rainbow of hues seen in its mists.
|