Kings Canyon Lakes and Waterfalls
Kings Canyon National Park features a diverse collection of high-altitude water features, from the southernmost glaciers in North America to dramatic granite-carved waterfalls. This selection includes the Palisade Glacier, the largest in the Sierra Nevada, and Mist Falls, one of the park’s most powerful cascades. These sites range from accessible day-hike destinations to remote alpine basins like Charlotte Lake and the Barrett Lakes, many of which sit above 10,000 feet along the John Muir Trail.
Charlotte Lake
Charlotte Lake is a lake in the Sierra Nevada, located in Kings Canyon National Park, eastern Fresno County, California.
Middle Palisade Glacier
One of the remaining active glaciers in the Sierra Nevada, located on the northeast face of Middle Palisade.
Norman Clyde Glacier
A small glacier situated on the northeast side of Norman Clyde Peak in the High Sierra.
Palisade Glacier
The largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada, located on the north-facing slopes of the Palisades.
Palisade Glacier
A significant glacial body in the Palisades region of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Blue Canyon Falls
A waterfall located within the remote Blue Canyon drainage of the park's backcountry.
Viola Falls
A cascade on the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River near the western boundary of the park.
Ella Falls
A 50-foot waterfall located near General Grant Grove, accessible via the Sunset Trail.
Mist Falls
One of the park's largest waterfalls, located on the South Fork of the Kings River and reached via an 8-mile round-trip hike.
Silver Spray Falls
A 100-foot waterfall in the Tehipite Valley area that drops into the Middle Fork of the Kings River.
Waterfall
A seasonal cascade located along the Bubbs Creek trail in the eastern section of the park.
Triple Falls
A series of three distinct drops located in the remote backcountry near the Enchanted Gorge.
Barrett Lakes
A group of high-altitude alpine lakes situated in the Palisade Basin, used for backcountry camping and fishing.
Seville Lake
An alpine lake in the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, reachable via the Rowell Meadow trailhead.
East Lake
A high-elevation lake at the base of Mount Brewer, often used as a base camp for climbers in the Great Western Divide.
Lower Palisade Lake
Located at approximately 10,600 feet, this lake sits along the John Muir Trail at the base of the Golden Staircase.
Rainbow Lakes
A cluster of small alpine lakes located in the northern section of the park near the LeConte Divide.
Amphitheater Lake
A glacial cirque lake located below the Palisade peaks, accessible via the Bishop Pass Trail.
Barrett Lakes
Part of a chain of lakes in the Palisade Basin, providing access to technical climbs on surrounding peaks.
Barrett Lakes
One of several high-elevation lakes in the remote Palisade Basin, characterized by rugged granite surroundings.
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