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Cabin Twenty-Four

Cabin Twenty-Four

Tokopah Valley Trail to Tokopah Falls

March 22, 2018

Around January, my friend, Abby, and I decided that we wanted to go hiking together one day. It wasn’t until in February that we finally decided to make it happen. We picked out the Tokopah Valley Trail through the AllTrails website. It was rated an easy hike with a total of 3.7 miles and a total elevation of 567 feet.

I was excited for this hike because I finally got to meet Abby’s husband, Jordan, and she finally got to meet Chris! We’ve shared several stories so it’s nice to finally put a voice and face to a name. Before we drove up to the mountains, we stopped by Exeter for breakfast at The Whistle Stop Cafe. Chris and I shared a plate of their corned beef and hash, and boy oh boy, it does not disappoint.

We drove separately but when we got inside the park, Abby & Jordan hopped into our car because they didn’t have any snow chains and apparently, there was heavy snowfall in the park recently. After driving up for a good 10 minutes, we finally saw the snow! We pulled over to the side of the road and put on the snow chains … after having some random lady assist us with them.

When we finally arrived at the Lodgepole Visitor Center, it was a winter wonderland. With the exception of the park rangers, there were only a few cars in the lot, most of which belonged to people dining in the marketplace. It was a bit of a walk to get to the trailhead itself but it was both fun and challenging. Challenging because hiking in inches of snow gets you easily tired than hiking on a dirt path.

The hike was really fun! We were accompanied by a creek throughout the entire hike – or what was left of it anyway since most of it was frozen. Sure, we all slipped and nearly fell several times but what’s a good story without little things like that? Chris nearly fell on his face when we were making our way up.

The views on this hike were incredible. We didn’t bump into too many people on the trail, so it almost felt like we had the entire trail to ourselves. It was peaceful to the point that one could easily hear the drop of snow from the tips of the sequoia or the sound of the creek in the distant.

When we got the last stretch of the hike, we trekked over snow-covered rocks to see the waterfall and its beauty. The waterfall may have been replaced with frozen icicles hanging atop a rock, but it was still a beautiful sight to witness. Imagine how much more beautiful the place is in the spring or early summer when the waterfall defrosts? We spent a good 20 minutes by the fall and snacked on some beef jerky.

The hike back to the parking lot was a lot easier and faster. We cleaned up, and drove back down to where Abby & Jordan parked. We did remove the snow chains earlier than we should’ve because we slightly skidded off the road – thankfully we were stopped by a tiny traffic sign that only left a scratch on my car.

I’ve included a little video I made from this hike. It’s not much but it’s something – and don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Tokopah Valley Trail to Tokopah Falls

Distance: 3.7 miles – out & back
Elevation: 567 ft
Trailhead and Parking: Parking is located within the Lodgepole Visitor Area. From there, follow signs for the camping sites and the trailhead begins after you cross the bridge.

in Hiking

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Comments

  1. Simone says

    March 22, 2018 at 11:58 AM

    This really looks like winter wonderland! I’m totally impressed by those pics and I’m sure that trip was unforgettable.

    xx Simone
    Little Glittery Box

  2. Nancy says

    March 22, 2018 at 12:17 PM

    Look at you inspiring others to go hike with you! I love how you get to see snow pretty often! Yum, corned beef and hash sounds delish! The surroundings at Tokopah Valley Trail looks AMAZING! I like that the area wasn’t too crowded!

    Did you know that pinecones are related to the Fibonacci sequence lolol?

    I always feel that the hike back is easier than the initial hike going to the destination. Why??? LOVE how you’re sharing the great outdoors of Cali!!!

    exquisitely.me

  3. Kathrine Eldridge says

    March 22, 2018 at 1:26 PM

    Looks like an amazing hike! Kudos to you for doing it in the snow.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  4. Violette says

    March 22, 2018 at 2:16 PM

    It looks so nice! I hope you a great time!

    http://violettedaily.com

  5. lesley kim says

    March 22, 2018 at 3:44 PM

    What an amazing place to hike!! looks so fun!

    Lesley-Kim

  6. Sheena Sy Gonzales says

    March 22, 2018 at 6:32 PM

    Wow the place looks amazing! It’s cool that the hike was not a very difficult one. Hope you guys enjoyed your time.

    Sheena | http://www.sheenalovessunsets.com

  7. Vivian says

    March 22, 2018 at 6:42 PM

    That is a HUGE pinecone! this trail looks absolutely beautiful in the snow!

    Vivian | LIVE IN LOVE
    IG | @viviyunn_

    ~

  8. Susie @ Mile High Dreamers says

    March 22, 2018 at 6:58 PM

    SUCH a fun idea to hike in the snow! I love hiking for the solitude and peacefulness and I think experiencing that with the snow would make it absolutely magical. And that pic of the boys hiking through the trees is so cool!
    Love that you guys always make it outside!

    Susie | http://milehighdreamers.com

  9. Annick says

    March 22, 2018 at 7:26 PM

    the size of that pinecone!!!! the scenes from the trail looks breathtaking โค๏ธ

    https://annicklau.com/home/2018/3/spotlight-sustainable-brands-fresh-off-the-runway

  10. Nicole says

    March 22, 2018 at 8:22 PM

    That looks so nice! Thatโ€™s a good local trip idea!

    Nicole / http://www.nicolegramcko.com

  11. jane says

    March 22, 2018 at 9:45 PM

    This looks like an amazing trip.
    I love the vlog.

    Much Love, Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
    New Vlog Entry!

  12. Rach says

    March 23, 2018 at 4:07 AM

    Looks like an amazing hike!! What a fun experience!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

  13. Cvjetkovic says

    March 23, 2018 at 6:35 AM

    Great post! Photos are amazing! ๐Ÿ™‚

    http://beautyshapes3.blogspot.hr/2018/03/im-fine-thank-you-outfit-rosegal-zaful.html

  14. allie says

    March 23, 2018 at 9:28 AM

    what a gorgeous scenery for a hike!!
    xo, Allie
    http://www.champagne-tuesdays.com

  15. Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's says

    March 23, 2018 at 11:29 AM

    I never knew about snow chains ๐Ÿ˜ฎ // @Chris! Sleeves!!!! // Dang I bet the snow made it a more difficult hike than usual! Even when I’m walking in an urban town/city with snow, I find walking a lot more tiresome haha (we just had a snow storm two days ago) -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s

  16. Nat says

    March 23, 2018 at 3:10 PM

    So stunning! So much snow! Love reading your blog to see all the different hiking spots in your area.

  17. Valerie says

    March 23, 2018 at 3:56 PM

    Wow, this trail looks amazing! I love hiking in snow…it always seems more peaceful! Great photos…you captured the views so beautifully!

    http://roadesque.com

  18. Andrea says

    March 24, 2018 at 3:27 AM

    The pictures you took are gorgeous! Looks like you had a lovely time! Xx

    Andrea | Trxpical Andrea

  19. Lorna says

    March 24, 2018 at 3:37 AM

    This looks incredible, what a gorgeous place!!x

  20. Mariann Yip says

    March 24, 2018 at 9:49 AM

    Gorgeous hike! I love hiking cause of the spectacular views and it looks like you had a wonderful time! http://mariannyc.com/2018/03/23/summer-fridays-jet-lag-mask-review/

  21. Mariann Yip says

    March 24, 2018 at 9:49 AM

    Gorgeous hike! I love hiking cause of the spectacular views and it looks like you had a wonderful time! http://mariannyc.com/2018/03/23/summer-fridays-jet-lag-mask-review/

  22. the adventurer says

    March 25, 2018 at 2:32 PM

    What a fun hike and the snow made it a little extra beautiful I think =o)

    https://dreamofadventures.com/

  23. Joy says

    March 26, 2018 at 2:25 AM

    Looks like you guys had so much fun, great photos

    http://myeternalsymphony.com

  24. Katherine says

    March 26, 2018 at 2:47 AM

    This is absolutely breathtaking! I’m dying over the scenery! You guys have such a pretty area to explore!

    Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com

  25. Alice V-DIYerfy says

    March 26, 2018 at 9:38 AM

    I miss hiking, weโ€™re going on small walks with our girls, 3 and 4 years of age and canโ€™t wait to take them out there to explore

  26. Bambi says

    March 27, 2018 at 5:41 AM

    That’s such a nice area and wow, I’ve never seen such big pine cone in my life ๐Ÿ˜€

  27. jane says

    March 27, 2018 at 6:08 PM

    It looks amazing.
    What a great travel adventure.

    Much Love, Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
    New Vlog Entry!

  28. Colleen Welsch says

    March 28, 2018 at 4:51 AM

    Wow, you guys have snow chains?! That’s pretty badass! I’m glad you got to enjoy some snow ๐Ÿ™‚

  29. Missy May says

    March 28, 2018 at 8:23 AM

    Looks like y’all had a great time. Look at that winter wonderland! Great shots!

    https://www.missymayification.co.uk

  30. Britney says

    March 28, 2018 at 9:34 PM

    I would love to try hiking in the snow. These views are absolutely beautiful too!

  31. Mercy says

    March 30, 2018 at 4:18 AM

    The frozen falls looks magnificent! Nice to see your adventures especially snowy ones like this since we don’t get snow in Sydney. Wishing you a great Easter Eena!

    http://www.busyandfab.com

  32. Pauline says

    March 30, 2018 at 4:50 AM

    Looks like you had an awesome time! Love love LOVE your photos, you make snow look beautiful! It truly looks so magical. Meanwhile in the UK when it snows, it’s not magical at all LOL. Loved the YouTube video too – really made me feel like I was there ๐Ÿ˜‰

    I love how you went on a cute couple trail THATS JUST GOALLLSSS!!!

  33. Jessica says

    March 30, 2018 at 6:18 PM

    I love how often you go hiking! I wish I did that. I guess I’ll read the books and you do the hiking haha! We’ll live vicariously through each other ๐Ÿ˜‰ Love the video!

  34. Anouk says

    March 31, 2018 at 4:04 AM

    Impressive photos! So nice when thereโ€™s snow and sunshine at the same time.

    ANOUK

  35. Emily says

    April 1, 2018 at 12:45 AM

    I find hikes difficult at the best of times – so I can’t imagine doing one in the snow! What a lovely day to spend with friends though and you got some gorgeous photos!

    Musings & More

  36. Heather Rowland says

    April 2, 2018 at 1:01 AM

    This walk looks beautfiul and I love the fun style of all of your photos! Looks like a wonderful place to be in the snow!

    heather xoxo
    https://www.hefafa.me.uk

  37. Louise says

    April 2, 2018 at 2:06 AM

    Oh man, this looks absolutely stunning. You can’t really hike in Holland, but damnit.. seeing these kind of pictures and reading your stories about the cabis, the park rangers… I don’t know, it makes me want to get out there ๐Ÿ™‚

  38. Reine says

    April 2, 2018 at 10:22 AM

    I love your pictures! You’re making me want to go someplace snowy, it’s so rainy here in Vancouver at the moment ๐Ÿ™

  39. Layla says

    April 9, 2018 at 9:50 AM

    Wow – absolutely loving all these photos! They’re so beautiful and the location looks like such a calming place! I love it ๐Ÿ™‚

    Layla x

    http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

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