Horsetail Falls is a 325-foot waterfall on Rush Creek in Mono County, California, pouring down the slope above Silver Lake on the June Lake Loop. It is a veiling horsetail that can spread more than 200 feet wide at peak flow, and the Rush Creek Trail climbs right beside it on the way to Agnew Lake.
The falls
Rush Creek drops over steep bedrock below Agnew Dam, and its flow is regulated by Southern California Edison's Rush Creek hydroelectric system. The utility's studies describe fast, high-velocity water over steep, rocky ground with little aquatic vegetation at the falls, and roughly 500 vertical feet of falls and cascades on the creek below the dam. The waterfall is 325 feet high; older surveys put it at 225 feet.
Getting there
The Rush Creek Trail starts near the Frontier Pack Station at the north end of Silver Lake, across from Silver Lake Campground on State Route 158. Rush Creek at Silver Lake is an entry trail into the Inyo National Forest. Live That Adventure reports a free paved parking lot with a vault toilet, and measures the hike to the falls viewpoint at 3 miles round trip with 839 feet of gain, rated moderate. Continuing to Agnew Lake makes it 4.2 miles round trip and 1,289 feet of gain; the full trail runs 7.25 miles round trip along the ridge above Silver Lake.
When to go
The falls are strongest in spring and early summer, when the large basin above sends down its snowmelt; later in summer, hydroelectric diversions cut the flow sharply. For the hike itself, summer or fall is recommended: in winter and spring snow can cover the route and crampons may be needed, while summer brings wildflowers.
On site
The trail climbs alongside the falls rather than to their base or top, so they are seen from a distance, starting early in the hike. The best view is higher up, where the cable tramway of the hydroelectric system crosses the trail. The utility's aesthetics study notes that the penstock, tram tracks and a powerline are in view along the approach. Expect rocky sections, steep steps and steady climbing. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
History and name
The falls are also known as Rush Creek Falls and, as an older name, Rainbow Falls.
Nearby
Tatum Falls is about 0.4 mile away. Farther up Rush Creek are Agnew Lake Falls, about 1 mile, and Gem Lake Falls, about 1.9 miles; Alger Creek Falls is about 1.7 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.