To get to Zora’s River, leave Hyrule Market via the eastern exit and follow the river upstream from the Hyrule Town drawbridge. You’ll pass through a short passage and arrive at your destination.
The moment you step into Zora’s River, you’ll likely have a chat with that talkative owl, Kaepora Gaebora. He’ll give you a heads-up that you’ll need to play Zelda’s Lullaby at the very end of this area to gain access to Zora’s Domain. Right at the entrance, on your left, there’s a tree. Give that tree a good roll by running into it, and a Gold Skulltula will drop down. Take it out and snag its token. Continue along the path, and you’ll soon encounter some boulders blocking your way. Use some of the Bombs you’ve acquired and last those boulders to clear the path.
As you proceed, you’ll come across a rather large fellow sitting and munching on something from a bag. This is the Magic Bean Salesman. These Magic Beans can be quite useful for reaching hidden areas later in the game, so it’s a good idea to buy as many as you can afford. He even has a patch of soft soil next to him where you can try planting one out.
Grab a Cucco (there’s usually one near the Magic Bean Salesman) to make the jump and cross the river. Keep the cucco with you and keep following the river, and you’ll start to encounter Octoroks in the water. These pesky creatures will spit rocks at you, so keep moving to avoid getting hit. You’ll need to jump across the river again at its narrowest point. On the other side, continue along the path to the left, hopping over a small ledge. You’ll soon spot some Blue Tektites in the water. These are similar to the Red Tektites you encountered earlier, but they’re a bit tougher and can actually float on the water. Now, having the Cucco with you, you can use it to reach a platform with a Heart Piece on it. Jump towards the platform, and just as you’re about to land, release the Cucco. This will allow you to grab onto the ledge. Pull yourself up and claim your prize.
Continue to your right, and you’ll come across more platforms. You might need to use the Cucco again to help you hop across these. Eventually, go left across the water and follow the path over a bridge. This will lead you to an open area with a series of twisting platforms that go upwards towards the large waterfall in the distance. Hop across these platforms, making your way higher and higher. At the very top of these twisting platforms, turn around and look out. You should spot another Heart Piece sitting on a lone platform. If you still have the Cucco, you can use it to carefully float over and grab this one too.
For the final optional collectible in Zora’s River, play the Sun’s Song on your Ocarina to make it nighttime. You should hear the distinct scratching sound of a Gold Skulltula nearby, specifically on a ladder close to the large waterfall. Hop down into the shallow water and defeat the Skulltula to claim its token.
Finally, you’ll reach the majestic waterfall. Make your way to the top platform directly in front of it. You’ll notice a square, grate-like symbol on the ground. Stand on this symbol and play Zelda’s Lullaby on your Ocarina. Just like magic, the waterfall will part, revealing the entrance to Zora’s Domain. Take a leap of faith and enter!
V. Entering Zora’s Domain and Preparing for Jabu Jabu
Welcome to the serene Zora’s Domain! Follow the path as it winds upwards. Your goal is to reach the very top, where you’ll find the imposing figure of King Zora.
Before you chat with the King, there is a a Piece of Heart in Zora’s Domain obtainable using torches. Near King Zora, you’ll find a lit torch. Use a Deku Stick to take the flame and quickly run down the stairs. Light the first unlit torch you see. Get out a fresh Deku Stick to maximize your time and continue down the spiraling ramp. Light the torch in front of the Zora Shop. Proceed into the shallow water and light the torch near the circle of rocks. Finally, hurry to the waterfall and go behind it to light the two remaining torches. If you’ve managed to light all five torches before your Deku Stick burns out, a large treasure chest containing a Piece of Heart will appear behind the waterfall.
You might want to grab another optional Heart Piece. From King Zora’s chamber, take the path to the left. You’ll see a Zora standing near the edge of the waterfall. Talk to him, and he’ll offer you a diving game for 20 Rupees. Accept his challenge and jump off the waterfall. Keep pressing the A button to dive repeatedly and collect all the Rupees floating in the water before the 50-second timer runs out. To save time later, while you are in the water, go ahead and catch one of the fish with your bottle.
Go back to the top of the waterfall to the Zora to and claim your reward, the Silver Scale, which will allow you to dive deeper underwater. Now, to progress the story, dive down the main waterfall (either from the diving game spot or just jump off). Look around underwater for a tunnel entrance and swim through it.
This will lead you to Lake Hylia. Once you’re in the lake, keep an eye out for an Empty Bottle lying on the lakebed nearby. Dive down and pick it up. Inside, you’ll find a letter from Princess Ruto.
At night-time, on one of the pillars of the small islands connected by bridges in Lake Hylia, lies a Gold Skulltula. Defeat it and collect it.
Head to the Fishing Pond situated in the northeastern area of Lake Hylia. Pay 20 Rupees to the Fishing Hole Man to rent a fishing rod and fish for an unlimited time. Catch the largest fish, which often resides near the arched log in the pond or close to the three poles sticking out of the water. Approach cautiously to avoid scaring it away. Cast your line near the target fish and use gentle movements to entice it. Once it bites, maintain tension on the line and patiently reel it in, adjusting the Control Stick to counter the fish’s movements. Catching a fish weighing 10 pounds or more rewards you with a Piece of Heart.
Head towards the bank behind the underwater tunnel to Zora’s Domain to find the Scarecrow. Play a song to create your Scarecrow’s song.
Head back into Zora’s Domain through the underwater tunnel. Make your way back up to King Zora. Target the king and use the Empty Bottle containing Princess Ruto’s letter. Upon seeing the letter, King Zora will finally move out of your way.
With the king no longer blocking your path, head through the opening behind him into Zora’s Fountain. Here, you’ll see a massive fish – Lord Jabu-Jabu.