The Great Outdoors

Day Seven

Day at Moonbow Falls and Alexandria Flat

Swimming in the wild can be one of nature’s purest joys—but only if the proper precautions are taken.

Where waterfalls are concerned, it’s wise to stay alert and aware of your surroundings: not every waterfall is equally swimmable, and even from day to day, conditions could be more or less favorable depending on the weather.

Exercise particular caution after a strong rain, intense meltoff from alpine snow, or if the telltale froth of whitewater is present.

—Henry Herrington, Backpacking the Sierras: A Beginner’s Handbook (Fourth Edition)