Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ate landscape is scorched, the views of the mountains are expansive and broad. Of
the trees that do remain, many are lodgepole pines, so named by Lewis and Clark
when they saw them being used by Native Americans in their teepee construction.
In August 1992, fire swept through this region, destroying more than 8,000
acres. Dubbed the Rainbow Fire, due to its proximity to the waterfalls, the blaze res-
ulted from a lightning strike and the ensuing winds that stirred the embers days later.
Once roaring, it took nearly two months before the last hot spots were extinguished.
The ground cover served as fuel while the winds spread the damage, and scores of
hikers were evacuated. However, it's not all dire news. Forest fires are natural occur-
rences, and the tree snags that remain standing serve as an important and desirable
habitat for bird species. Additionally, the opened forest canopy means that more sun-
light reaches the ground, allowing for greater diversity of plant life.
Follow the trail as it parallels a fork of the San Joaquin River, vibrant lupine lin-
ing the banks, and continue descending to Rainbow Falls (7,400 feet), a dramatic
sheet of water cascading down 101 feet. There is an overlook from which to admire
this incredible example of water's force, and the brilliant display of rainbows in the
mist aptly gives meaning to the falls' name.
It's possible to walk down to the waterfall's base, where many enjoy wading
and fishing in the cool jetty of water. Or continue along the trail to another stone ob-
servation platform. The waterfall's dramatic event is owed to two different types of
volcanic rocks. The top layer of stone is a more robust, erosion-resistant rock, while
the bottom layer is softer and more susceptible to the continuing cascade of water.
This undercutting process gradually creates an alcove beneath the stronger rock layer
that eventually caves in, hence the debris at the bottom of the falls.
To access the lower falls, turn left at your first opportunity to continue heading
southwest along the trail. Most visitors ignore this trail, but, while less dramatic,
Lower Rainbow Falls (7,200 feet) offers a bit more solitude and is the perfect spot
for dipping your feet in the rushing river while picnicking. There is also a small
swimming hole just below the fall for those willing to brave a dip. It's a serene land-
scape as granite boulders tumble into the river, and cottonwoods, willows, and alders
sway in the breeze. Descending through a pine forest, there are many tree snags at-
tracting roosting birds, while closer to the river, cow parsnip and redbud are
scattered within the grasses.
Return the way you came, climbing gently through conifers on a pumice path.
Numerous side trails lead to Red's Meadow, and the return walk provides clear
views of Mammoth Mountain's bald backside.
Follow signs to Devils Postpile and continue to climb gently along the dusty
trail. Interestingly, the 800 acres of Devils Postpile National Monument were origin-
