Happy Isles

Coordinates: 37°43′54″N 119°33′31″W / 37.73171°N 119.558694°W / 37.73171; -119.558694

The Merced River in Happy Isles
Topographic map of Happy Isles area

Happy Isles is a group of small isles in the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. They are located at the easternmost end of the Yosemite Valley floor. This scenic spot is the starting point for the Mist Trail, and is also the northern trailhead for the John Muir Trail.[1]

Happy Isles is located where the slope of the Merced River changes from the much steeper upper main stem to the essentially flat Valley floor. At Happy Isles, the river gradient is approximately 2%. The gradient of the Merced River at Happy Isles is steeper than in the Valley floor, and the channel of the river is cut into erosion-resistant granitic boulders and talus materials, compared to channel deposits of sands and gravel present on the Valley floor. The steeper gradient and composition of streambed materials together impede meandering patterns from developing in this area.[2]

The area near Happy Isles sustained damage in 1996 during a rockslide. A number of signposts near the Isles are dedicated to the rockfall.

The islets may be named after the Fortunate or Happy Isles of Greek mythology, which were supposedly about 2000 kilometres from Europe and blessed with good climate. The Azores islands fulfil most of what the Greeks claimed.

References

  1. ↑ "John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails". Retrieved 2008-05-08. NPS
  2. ↑  This article incorporates public domain material from the National Park Service document "Happy Isles Bridge Removal Project Environmental Assessment". Retrieved on 2009-10-17.



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