Here's your chance to experience the rush of Yosemite waterfalls in the spring without the rush of spring crowds in Yosemite Valley. Just five miles from Tenaya Lodge, this hike takes you to the 80-foot Corlieu Falls in just a quarter mile and to the shorter but broader Red Rock Falls in about a mile and half. The trail roughly follows the old flume that from 1900 to 1931 sent over a billion board feet of sawn lumber from the Sugar Pine Lumber Mill down to the railroad station in Madera, over 50 miles away.

Today the trail bears few traces from the logging days and instead provides a walk along the creek without too much elevation gain. In addition to the waterfalls, you'll see another star of the Yosemite spring experience — the Pacific dogwood whose large white blossoms draw people to the region every year, especially around Mother's Day (though the peak of the dogwood bloom will vary with altitude and weather of course). 

Depending on your timing, you might also be treated to snow plants, bleeding hearts and other spring flowers. And, as always when near water in the spring, stay alert for the sweet, fragrant smell of azalea which whispers "spring" in Yosemite up against the louder voices of the rushing waterfalls and creeks.

Read more about the Lewis Creek hike.