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💦 Waterfall Plunge Pool  ·  Eastern Sierra

Rainbow Falls (Devils Postpile National Monument)

📍 Mammoth Lakes
Nearest Town
$15/adult, $7/child mandatory shuttle fee during peak summer season
Entry Fee
💧 Cold, snowmelt-fed
Water Temp
🟡 Moderate
Difficulty
📅 Summer
Best Season
⚠️ Safety Notice — Read Before Visiting
As with other tall waterfalls in this project, treat the area above and immediately at the base of the falls as viewing-only rather than a swim spot unless official signage explicitly says otherwise.
💦 Waterfall Plunge Pool 🟡 Moderate $15/adult, $7/child mandatory shuttle fee during peak summer season Reservation Required ⚠️ Safety Note
🌊 About Rainbow Falls (Devils Postpile National Monument)

A dramatic 101-foot waterfall on the Middle Fork San Joaquin River, reached via a scenic hike from the volcanic Devils Postpile formation — treat as a viewing/photography destination rather than a swimming hole given the general pattern of waterfall-adjacent risk documented elsewhere in this file.

📋 Visit Details
Entry Fee
$15/adult, $7/child mandatory shuttle fee during peak summer season
Water Temperature
💧 Cold, snowmelt-fed
Best Season
📅 Summer
Reservation
Required
Water Type
101-ft waterfall — viewing/wading, not a deep swim spot
Managed By
National Park Service (Devils Postpile National Monument)
County
Madera County, California
Access Difficulty
🟡 Moderate
🗺️ Getting There

Address / Access Point:
Devils Postpile National Monument, near Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Access Notes:
Moderate ~2.5-mile hike (one way) from Devils Postpile; primarily a scenic overlook, not a developed swim area

GPS Coordinates
37.6047, -119.0850
Open in Google Maps →
✅ Before You Go — Checklist
  • ✓
    Check current water conditions — especially after recent rain
  • !
    Reservation required — book in advance or you may be turned away
  • ✓
    Save GPS coordinates offline before leaving — cell service may be limited
  • $
    Bring cash or card for entry: $15/adult, $7/child mandatory shuttle fee during peak summer season
  • ✓
    Pack reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, water shoes and plenty of drinking water
  • ✓
    Tell someone where you are going before heading to a remote location
  • ✓
    Pack out everything you bring in — leave no trace
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