Rancheria Falls

I have now had the pleasure of backpacking up to Rancheria Falls now five times. Every visit has proven to be different. I’ve been in late Spring, Summer, Fall, and as of this past week-​end in the winter. Thanks to the lack of snow we were not the only hardy backpackers in January.
There are established sites at the ‘campground’ but we’ve always camped down by the creek near the cascading pools. Now we all know that this is SF’s drinking water and we aren’t supposed to get in the creek or falls or risk contaminating the water but I don’t live in SF or drink their water. This can be quite the temptation on a hot Spring or Summer day.
Rancheria Falls can be the beginning of a loop trip up through Tiltill Meadows to Vernon Lake but be prepared. This is not a hike meant for beginners or those faint of heart. Interesting to note though that in January there was a family including small children making their first BP trip.
Most of the hike to the falls includes gorgeous views of Hetch Hetchy, Kolana, and an exciting (be careful) bridge crossing of Wapama Falls. Then you turn North and head up the switchbacks into Rancheria Creek area. There is also a backpacker’s camp at the Dam TH so you can spend one night at the beginning or end of your trip. No car camping there and no fires.