Waterwheel Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waterwheel Falls |
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Waterwheel Falls
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| Location | Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 37°55′38″N 119°27′32″W / 37.92722°N 119.45889°W |
| Type | Slide |
Waterwheel Falls is a beautiful waterfall found in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It's located inside the famous Yosemite National Park. This waterfall is the biggest of many along the Tuolumne River. It's known for a special trick the water plays, which gives it its unique name.
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Discovering Waterwheel Falls
Waterwheel Falls is a natural wonder in Yosemite National Park. It's a place where water from the Tuolumne River tumbles down rocks. Imagine a giant slide for water! This waterfall is a popular spot for hikers exploring the park.
Where is Waterwheel Falls Located?
Waterwheel Falls is nestled in the stunning Sierra Nevada mountain range. This range runs mostly through California. The falls are a key part of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is a huge park in the U.S.. It's famous for its tall trees, deep valleys, and amazing waterfalls. The falls are specifically found along the Tuolumne River. This river flows through a beautiful part of the park.
What Makes Waterwheel Falls Special?
The upper part of Waterwheel Falls has several small, step-like ledges. As the river water rushes over these ledges, it creates a cool effect. Each ledge makes a small "plume" of water. A plume is like a feathery cloud of spray. This happens because the water hits the rock and splashes outwards.
The "Waterwheel" Phenomenon
The most amazing thing about Waterwheel Falls happens in early summer. This is when the river has a lot of water from melting snow. At the first and largest ledge, something truly unique occurs. Strong winds can blow against the falling water. These gusts are powerful enough to lift some of the spray. The wind actually pushes the water spray back upwards! It makes the water re-enter the falls above the ledge. This creates a circular, spinning motion. It looks just like a giant waterwheel. This incredible natural show is why the falls are called Waterwheel Falls. It's a sight that many visitors hope to see.
