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Best Waterfalls in California | 9 Incredible Falls To Add To Your List

If you love waterfalls and you are travelling around California, you are in luck. Here are nine of the best waterfalls in California so you can add them to your list, organise a few days out, or add them to your California itinerary.

Long exposure of a waterfall seen from above flowing through trees and a steep rock

California is more than just hot weather and an endless coastline. It is also home to some of the best waterfalls in California and, arguably, the world. From the largest waterfall in North America to a rainbow-creating cascade, you’ll never run out of fantastic waterfalls in California.

If you’re on a road trip around California, you must include a visit to at least one waterfall in your itinerary. And to inspire you to do so, this article takes you through the top falls in California.

California waterfall hikes – reaching the best spots

Getting to see California’s best waterfalls will require some exercise. Each waterfall mentioned in this post requires a walk along a trail for the best views.

But don’t worry, there’s something for every skill level. Some waterfalls have viewing platforms that are just half a mile away from the entrance, while others require a whole day of challenging climbing.

Looking up to a tall waterfall coming down a tall rock face surrounded by trees. There's a tree trunk on the ground in the foreground

It’s recommended to visit these waterfalls in spring, as this is when all the rain fills the falls to the brim, producing a spectacular cascade of rushing water all over California.

If you, however, visit the falls in the winter months, bring warm clothes, as the temperatures can drop to 40°F (4°C) and below at the high elevations.

But please note that some trails may be closed for the time being, due to weather, fire damage, or other circumstances. Be sure to check online to see if you’re allowed to explore the waterfalls on a given day.

Best Waterfalls in California

Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls are located in the Yosemite National Park, in Northern California. Out of all the waterfalls in North America, this one is the tallest, at 2,425 feet.

Impressive waterfall running down a tall rock cliff with a green valley in the background. Yosemite has some of the best hikes in Northern California

A steep and strenuous hike reveals breathtaking views of Upper Yosemite Falls, along with sights of the Half Dome, and surrounding mountain peaks. 

You can get to this hike by going to the #E2 stop on the El Capitan bus route. Once here, you can enjoy one of the best trails in Northern California, a 7.2-mile hike while meandering along one of the oldest Yosemite trails, built in 1877.

Make sure you include a visit to Yosemite Falls even if you only have one day in Yosemite NP.

McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

A thin waterfall flowing from a rocky cliff into a beach and the sea in a small cove. This is one of the best waterfalls in California

Just after marker 35.8 on Highway 1 you’ll find McWay Falls, a spectacular waterfall that drops 80 feet into the Pacific Ocean. If you are taking a scenic drive around Big Sur, stopping to see these falls is a must. 

The hike to the falls is easy and only half a mile long, due to it being cut off at the midway point because of bad soil erosion. Once you arrive at the lower falls, you get stunning views of the rushing waterfall as well as the beach, which was created by a landslide in 1983.

Alamere Falls, Point Reyes National Seashore

Image of a sandy beach with a waterfall pouring into the beach from a high sandstone cliff

This waterfall is found in Point Reyes National Seashore, one of California’s best state parks. Being a tidefall (a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean) makes Alamere Falls one of the best waterfalls in Northern California. 

While the trail is tricky and 13 miles long, the rushing 40-foot waterfall won’t disappoint and it makes the effort worthwhile.

Note that this trail can get busy and overcrowded. Please be careful around the cliff edge as the erosion from the coastal weather has made its mark and it can be unstable.

Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

A wide waterfall with a lot of water flowing through a rock wall with vegetation, giving it the appearance of lots of mini waterfalls flowing into a lake. Burney falls is one of the best waterfalls in California

While only a fifth of the size of the previously mentioned Yosemite Falls, Burney Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in California.

This waterfall originates from the natural springs in the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, creating a veil of mist in the gorge of the mountain. 

It’s a good idea to bring a light rain jacket to throw over to prevent you from getting wet from the mist of the waterfall.

Burney Falls is located on Highway 89, near Burney. The trail winds for 5 miles along the edge of the water, including some of Lake Britton. The stream gets more powerful along the trail until it cascades into the stunning Burney Falls.

Vernal Falls, Yosemite National Park

Waterfall flowing down a sheer rock face with trees growing on top and on either side. The mist of the waterfall produces a double rainbow, and it's one of the most beautiful waterfalls in California

Another waterfall located in Yosemite National Park is Vernal Falls, which reminds me a little bit of Skogafoss, one of the best places to see in Iceland. To reach the falls, you can take the shuttle to stop ‘Happy Isles #16’. 

Once you reach the trailhead, you can choose between a moderate trail leading to the Vernal Footbridge or a challenging route to the top of the falls.

The footbridge path is about 1.6 miles and includes a 400-foot climb. The more challenging path is 2.4 miles and a 1,000-foot climb to reach the top. 

The trail is known as the ‘Giant Staircase’ and grants spectacular views of both the mighty Vernal Falls and Waterfall Nevada.

If you are spending a few days in the area, make sure you make some time to discover the history of the California Gold Rush in Gold Country.

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Kings Creek Falls, Lassen Volcanic National Park

This magnificent waterfall is 40 feet tall and can be found in Lassen Volcanic National Park. 

Slightly different from other popular trails, this hike will take you through the forest and along a stream, leading to the cascading Kings Creek Waterfall.

To get to the waterfall, you have to follow a 2.7 mile trail with an 800-foot climb. This trail is moderate and is suitable for beginner hikers looking for an extra uphill challenge.

Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Lakes

Waterfall into a small lake with a rainbow on the mist. The terrain is rocky with sparse woods

Mammoth Lakes is one of the best July vacations in the USA, and it’s the perfect time to see the beautiful waterfalls in the area. In particular this waterfall, which offers something a little different.

After 2.5 miles of moderate hiking, you are graced with a 101-foot waterfall with rainbows created by the mist, hence the name of Rainbow Falls.

The light reflects through the tiny water droplets caused by the crashing water against the rocks, creating a spectacular array of colors that just add to the natural beauty of this waterfall.

There is a complimentary shuttle ride, starting at Mammoth Adventure Centre, to the beginning of the hike, operated by Eastern Sierra Transit.

Whiskeytown Falls, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

This majestic waterfall can be found just 1.7 miles from the James K. Carr Trail in Whiskeytown. This California waterfall requires you to climb 700 feet under the canopy of the park’s forest, offering shade, sneaky views, and good exercise.

This waterfall was only discovered 17 years ago, in 2004, after rumors spread about an undiscovered and unmapped waterfall. Soon after, trails opened up to the 220-foot rolling waterfall.

If you want to drink from the waterfalls, be sure to use a portable water filter like Grayl Water Purifier to prevent ingesting bacteria or dirt in the water. 

Berry Creek Falls, Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Waterfall pouring down a creek amongst thick greenery with a wooden fence around it

Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers over 80 miles of trails, which include some of the best hikes in Santa Cruz, and some of those trails surprise you with falls along the way. 

During your visit, you’ll come across ancient trees and indigenous wildlife in addition to the main attraction that is Berry Creek Falls.

The trail is the longest in the park at 10.5 miles, and a whopping 2,150-foot climb. But the extra effort is worth it. Not only do you walk under the magnificent coast redwood trees, but you get to see three other waterfalls along the way.

If you are spending some time in the area, why not spend a day in Santa Cruz and soak up the chilled vibe of this seaside town?

Essentials for hiking trails with waterfalls in California

Before you go chasing waterfalls in California, here are some basic items that will help you make your hikes safer and more enjoyable.

Water – Don’t set off on your hike without packing plenty of water. A hydration pack is a very convenient way to carry a couple of litres of water. Alternatively, you can take a refillable bottle like Grayl Geopress Water Purifier, which has a powerful filtration system that filters out bacteria, viruses, and other particles such as chemicals and microplastics.

Backpack – A backpack is a must for your hikes so you can keep everything you need in one place. This Osprey Hikelite 26 hiking backpack has a hydration compartment and is perfect for both short and long hikes.

Hiking shoes – Make sure you wear appropriate footwear. Besides making the hike more comfortable, wearing hiking shoes or boots like these Scarpa hiking boots, will offer you support when walking over uneven terrain.

Extra pair of socks – Bringing an extra pair of hiking socks is useful just in case you find yourself with wet feet after crossing a stream. It’ll make all the difference being able to complete your hike with dry feet. My favourite brand of hiking socks is Smartwool.

A narrow waterfall falling into a small lake surrounded by rocks, trees and tree trunks covered in moss in the woods

Light rain jacket – Some of these trails will get you quite close to the waterfalls or the mist, which can get you pretty wet. So if you’d like to stay dry, I’d recommend bringing a light rain jacket like this Patagonia waterproof jacket that you can quickly throw over your shoulders.

Sun protection gear – When hiking, particularly in trails where there is little or no shade, make sure you protect yourself from the sun with a hat, and with a sun shirt. Sunscreen is also essential no matter the weather, and this one from Thinksport is non-greasy and chemical free. And of course, don’t forget your poralized sunglasses for maximum protection!

Trekking poles – On challenging treks or thru-hikes, trekking poles will save your knees going down and will help you get up those mountains, and hills on strenuous waterfall hikes in California. I have been using lightweight Leki trekking poles for many years and I could not recommend them enough.

First aid kit – It’s always good to be prepared for any eventuality, especially if you are planning to go into the wilderness or up a mountain, so pack an easy-to-carry first aid kit

Compass – I have a terrible sense of direction, so if I accidentally veer off the path, I know I can find my way back even if I don’t have phone service, thanks to my little compass. I always carry one with me just in case.

Planning to visit the best waterfalls in California

Enjoying the outdoors relaxes the soul and activates all the muscles in your body. But before you begin your adventure, be sure to check a California waterfalls map to learn your route beforehand.

Now that I’ve shown you the best California waterfalls, why not continue your journey discovering the Golden State and explore some of California’s hidden gems or venture on a desert hike in Southern California?

Ready for your waterfall hikes in California? Use this travel toolkit

Would you add other waterfalls to this list of the best waterfalls in California?
Let me know in the comments below!

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The Best Waterfalls in California
The Best Waterfalls in California

Katie Driscoll

Monday 17th of May 2021

WOW some of these places look incredible!! We are hoping to come to California next summer for a road trip so I would love to visit all of these places!

Teresa Gomez

Friday 18th of June 2021

They're just stunning aren't they? I can't wait to go back to California and revisit some of them too :)