• 

Snow melting in the Sierra forms creeks and lakes. In the surrounding region, these creeks flow to the edge of the Valley to form cataracts and waterfalls.

A fan of creeks and forks of the Merced River take drainage from the Sierra crest and combine at Merced Lake. The Merced then flows down to the end of its canyon (Little Yosemite Valley), where it begins what is often called the Giant Staircase. The first drop is Nevada Fall, which drops 594 feet (181 m), bouncing off the granite slope below it. Below is Vernal Fall, 317 feet (97 m) high, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Valley. The Merced then descends rapids to meet Illilouette Creek, which drops from the valley rim to form Illilouette Fall. They combine at the base of the gorges that contain each stream, and then flow around the Happy Isles to meet Tenaya Creek at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley proper.

Tenaya Creek flows southwest from Tenaya Lake and down Tenaya Canyon, finally flowing between Half Dome and North Dome before joining the Merced River. The following falls tumble from the Valley rim to join it at various points:
Yosemite Falls 2,425 feet (739 m) Upper Yosemite Fall 1,430 feet (440 m), the middle cascades 670 feet (200 m), and Lower Yosemite Fall 320 feet (98 m). (Yosemite Creek)
Snow Creek Falls 2,140 feet (650 m)
Sentinel Falls 1,920 feet (590 m)
Ribbon Fall 1,612 feet (491 m)
Royal Arch Cascade 1,250 feet (380 m)
Lehamite Falls 1,180 feet (360 m)
Staircase Falls 1,020 feet (310 m)
Bridalveil Fall 620 feet (190 m). (Bridalveil Creek)
Nevada Fall 594 feet (181 m)
Silver Strand Falls 574 feet (175 m)
Vernal Fall 318 feet (97 m)