Vernal Fall is a large waterfall on the Merced River just downstream of Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park, USA. It is located at 37° 43′ 38″ N 119° 32′ 37″ W. It is 317 feet (97 m) high. It is accessible via the Mist Trail, which climbs close enough to the fall so that hikers must travel through the fall's mist. It is also clearly visible from Glacier Point. Tower Fall in Yellowstone National Park A waterfall is usually a geological formation resulting from water, often in the form of a stream, flowing over an erosion-resistant rock formation that forms a sudden break in elevation. ... The Merced River is in California. ... Categories: Stub | Waterfalls | Yosemite ... Yosemite National Park (pronounced Yo-SEM-it-tee, IPA ) is a U.S. national park largely in Mariposa County, and Tuolumne County, California, United States. ... The Mist Trail is one of the most popular short hikes in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. The hike follows the Merced River, starting at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, past Vernal Falls, Emerald pool, to Nevada Falls. ... Glacier Point, as seen from Yosemite Valley. ...

The waterfall runs all year long, although by the end of summer, it is substantially reduced in volume and can split into multiple falls.

The original name of the fall was Pye-wi-ack ("white water") or Yan-o-pah ("little cloud"). The fall was named "Vernal" by Lafayette Bunnell, a member of the Mariposa Brigade in 1851. Apparently, the fall reminded Bunnell of springtime. Lafayette Houghton Bunnell (1824-1903), a noted explorer of Yosemite Valley, was born in Homer, Minnesota. ... Events January 23 - The flip of a coin determines whether a new city in Oregon is named after Boston, Massachusetts, or Portland, Maine, with Portland winning. ...

External links and references

• Place Names of the High Sierra, "V", Francis Farquhar