Tip Toe Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tip Toe Falls |
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Tip Toe Falls viewed from the edge of its pool.
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 Location in California
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| Location | Portola Redwoods State Park, San Mateo County, California, United States |
| Coordinates | 37°14′53″N 122°13′13″W / 37.24806°N 122.22028°W |
| Type | Cascade |
| Total height | 14 feet (4.3 m) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
| Longest drop | 8 feet (2.4 m) |
| Total width | 2 feet (0.61 m) |
| Average width | 1 foot (0.30 m) |
| Watercourse | Fall Creek |
Tip Toe Falls, sometimes called Tiptoe Falls, is a beautiful waterfall located in Portola Redwoods State Park in California. It is about 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. This waterfall is part of Fall Creek. A bit further upstream, there's also a lesser-known upper waterfall that is about 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall.
Fall Creek, which feeds Tip Toe Falls, is a smaller stream that flows into a larger one called Pescadero Creek. The journey of the water starts with the upper part of the falls. Here, the water gently tumbles down a mossy, 8-foot (2.4-meter) section into a small pool. After this, the creek flows between grassy banks. Soon, it reaches the more famous lower part of the falls, which is 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. The water from the lower falls lands in a round, shallow pool before continuing its journey downstream over rocks and sticks.
What Does Tip Toe Falls Look Like?
Tip Toe Falls is found deep within a redwood forest. It's on a small, steep stream that flows into Pescadero Creek. The waterfall has two main parts, or "tiers." The upper tier drops about 8 feet (2.4 meters), and the lower tier drops about 6 feet (1.8 meters). Both tiers fall into shallow pools.
The upper part of the falls comes out of a thick area of trees and plants. It flows down a mossy rock wall into a small, shallow pool. Near the bottom, the water splits around a fallen log. Between the upper and lower falls, the creek winds through a small, open area surrounded by ferns. This area is at the bottom of a steep valley with mossy rock walls that rise over 50 feet (15 meters) high!
Then, the creek reaches the main, lower falls. The water pours out of a small gully, which looks a bit like a "hanging valley" – a valley that seems to hang above another. A tiny stream of water sometimes splits off to the right, flowing down alongside the main waterfall. All the water then lands in a clear, round pool surrounded by rocks. The creek then leaves this pool, flowing over a group of rocks as it continues its path.
How to Visit Tip Toe Falls
You can reach Tip Toe Falls by walking along the Iverson Trail. This trail is about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) long and starts near the park's visitor center. The Iverson Trail begins on the north side of the Nature Center. Another trail, the Sequoia Nature Trail, starts on the south side and eventually connects with the Iverson Trail.
The Iverson Trail will lead you to where Fall Creek meets a larger stream. From there, a narrow side trail goes upstream along Fall Creek. This side trail soon brings you to the end of the canyon. Here, two rock walls form a "V" shape, creating the low cliff over which Tip Toe Falls pours.
To see the upper falls, you need to carefully climb up the right side of Tip Toe Falls. The left side is often wet and slippery, making it more dangerous to climb. After walking upstream along the creek bed, you will find the upper falls on the left side of the canyon. It might be a bit hidden by fallen trees. If you plan to visit, be aware that mosquitoes are common, especially around April.
