Crews finished repairing the bridge at Wapama Falls at Hetch Hetchy this past week. The hike from O’Shaughnessy Dam to Wapama Falls and beyond, an easy 5-mile round trip with world-class pay-offs, is accessible again.
Hetch Hetchy, of course, is the “hidden Yosemite.” This is a second Yosemite Valley created by glaciers (and the Tuolumne River Canyon), much like the famous showpiece of the world, Yosemite Valley (and Merced River).
From the O’Shaughnessy Dam, the moment you cast your gaze across the cobalt-blue Hetch Hetchy and the towering canyon rims, domes and waterfalls, you will feel the power of place. On your right, Kolana Rock is like a granite tower that pokes a hole in the sky. On your left, Hetch Hetchy Dome rises up 2,400 feet over the lake, and in a fissure, three-decked Wapama Falls runs 1,200 feet from top to bottom, though you can only see a portion of it (depending on your vantage point).
The power of place allows you to feel things that transcend all your personal successes and failures. That’s why a place like Hetch Hetchy, off the radar for so many, can stay with you for years.
For the complete story, go to: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/04/24/SPL51J5FGD.DTL
Feel great in the next 24 hours: Hike. Bike. Camp. Fish. Boat. Wildlife watch. Explore.
For my book California Hiking, go to http://74.220.215.219/~tomstien/books/california-hiking/
Photo of Wapama Falls by Jeffrey Turst / NPS Photo
Tom, thank you for all your hard work to keep the people informed about all the beauty our state has to offer. I was wondering about the upcomming state park closures. While Abalone diving north of Jenner we stopped the ranger and asked if we could walk into closed areas (like Stump Beach, Fort Ross, Fisk mill cove all had gates closed). She informed us that as long as our vehicle was parked legaly that it was ok to walk in. Then she told us that none of the facilities were open, like bathrooms, running water, trash bins, all locked up tight. I was wondering after the September closure date if we will be legaly able to enter closed areas? Sincerly, Gavin D Housh.