Cascade Creek Trail from Tamarack Flat

This 4.4-mile out-and-back starts at Tamarack Flat Campground and follows the old Big Oak Flat Road through pine forest to the Cascade Creek footbridge and small cascades. Allow about two to two and a half hours. Published mileage varies by a few tenths, but this route runs from the campground access to the creek and back. Most of the walk is in the forest, among large trees and boulders, rather than out at a big panorama.

Walk down the campground road to the gate, then take the signed Old Big Oak Flat Road trail southeast. It descends through the trees, crossing small streams and reaching Coyote Creek before continuing toward Cascade Creek. The creekside bridge and little cascades make the short walk's payoff. Turn around there; the old road continues toward El Capitan, which is a much longer outing. The return is the uphill half on the same route.

The campground road branches off Tioga Road east of Crane Flat and runs about three miles on a narrow, winding, single-lane road. Access is seasonal with Tioga Road. The campground has seasonal vault toilets but no drinking water, so carry what you need. Yosemite doesn't allow pets on hiking trails. Published directions tell hikers to park at the campground, but day-use parking without a campsite reservation isn't clear; check before driving out.