Silver Strand Falls

Silver Strand Falls is a seasonal waterfall in Yosemite Valley that drops along Meadow Brook in a thin, ribbon-like stream down the granite cliff face. The water flows in a delicate pattern shaped by the natural contours of the rock.

This waterfall received different names during its early documentation, including being incorrectly called Widow's Tears before official surveys established its current designation. The confusion arose from the challenging process of mapping the valley in the 1800s.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts gather at Inspiration Point during spring months to capture the water flow against the valley's granite backdrop.

The falls are best viewed from Tunnel View Overlook, where visitors can see the waterfall from a distance across the valley. Water flow is strongest between March and June when snow melts at higher elevations.

The true height of this waterfall remains debated because different measurement methods produce varying results between roughly 120 and 175 meters. The variation comes from the difficulty of measuring the exact length along the irregular rock face.