Nevada Fall is a 594-foot waterfall on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, below Liberty Cap at the west end of Little Yosemite Valley. Along with Vernal Fall downstream, it forms part of the river’s steep descent toward Yosemite Valley. Its distinctive bent shape sends water plunging freely at first, then crashing onto slick rock, creating turbulent whitewater and widespread mist. That snowy appearance inspired the Spanish-derived name Nevada, while the Native American name, Yo-wy-we, referred to the water’s twisting motion. Between the two falls is Emerald Pool, and trails to the top have made the site famous, though the pool above the brink is dangerously deceptive.