Discover some of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in Northern California.
California is home to many magnificent waterfalls. Some are reachable via a short walk from the parking lot, while others involve a more challenging hiking experience. Whether you prefer easy access or working hard for the views, here are ten waterfall hikes in Northern California to add to your bucket list! Also, the best time to visit is in the spring when the waterfalls are at their most powerful. Let’s get into it!
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1. Yosemite Falls
Location: Yosemite National Park, CA
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America, plunging 2,425 feet from the top of the Upper Falls to the base of the Lower Falls.
At around 7 miles out & back, the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is a strenuous hike with challenging switchbacks, but the views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, and the waterfall itself make every step worth it. Make sure to bring plenty of water—more than you think you need (I ran out of water on this trail, and it wasn't fun). And, of course, don’t forget the sunblock as parts of the trail are very exposed.
If you're not ready to take on the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail is an easy, 1-mile loop that brings you up close to the falls and is a beautiful spot to take it all in.
2. Vernal Falls
Location: Yosemite National Park, CA
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Vernal Falls, one of Yosemite's most iconic waterfalls, is best experienced along the Mist Trail. The 3-mile out & back trail takes you right alongside the raging falls. You will get soaked on the granite staircase section of the hike (if you're doing it in the spring), so be sure to pack a raincoat or poncho. It's well worth getting drenched as the views are incredible from the granite steps and from the viewing platform at the top—which is a perfect spot to dry off and have a snack before making your way back down or continuing to Nevada Falls.
For more on the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail and the Mist Trail, check out this video:
3. Cataract Falls
Location: Mount Tamalpais Watershed, Marin County, CA
Best Time to Visit: Winter to early spring, after heavy rains
At 2.6 miles out & back, the Cataract Falls Trail winds through a lush, forested canyon and features a series of small waterfalls, including Cataract Falls, a beautiful multi-tiered cascade. The shaded hike offers enchanting scenery and several footbridges, making stopping and taking in the views easy. The trail can get muddy after rain, but this is the best time to see the falls at their fullest.
4. Rainbow Falls
Location: Devils Postpile National Monument, near Mammoth Lakes, CA
Best Time to Visit: May to July
Rainbow Falls is a 101-foot waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, named for the vibrant rainbow that forms in its mist on sunny days. The 4.9-mile out & back hike to the falls is relatively easy, with a well-marked trail. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water, as the trail is mostly exposed.
If you're visiting in the summer, you'll have to take the mandatory shuttle from the Mammoth Adventure Center. Ride it to stop number 9, which takes you to the Rainbow Falls Trailhead. For more on Rainbow Falls check out this post.
5. McWay Falls
Location: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, CA
Best Time to Visit: April to October
McWay Falls is an 80-foot waterfall in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on California’s Big Sur coast. The falls drop directly onto the sandy beach below or into the ocean at high tide, making for a striking coastal view. The short and easy walk along the McWay Falls Overlook Trail provides great views without needing to access the restricted beach area, which is protected for conservation.
6. Burney Falls
Location: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, CA
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Located about an hour south of Mt. Shasta, right off HWY 89, Burney Falls is one of California's most magical waterfalls. Not only is Burney Falls drop-dead gorgeous, but it's also easily accessible. The falls overlook is just steps from the parking area, and the paved path leading down to the base of the falls is less than half a mile. Burney Falls offers year-round beauty as unlike other waterfalls it never dries up.
7. McCloud Falls
Location: Shasta-Trinity National Forest, CA
Best Time to Visit: April to July
Also in the Mt. Shasta area, McCloud Falls is about an hour's drive from Burney, making it easy to visit both stunning waterfalls in one day. McCloud Falls features three tiers: Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls. You can explore the falls via the 4-mile McCloud River Falls loop trail or drive up to each section. If you have time for only one, Middle Falls is the most impressive.
For more information on visiting McCloud Falls, check out this blog post.
8. Mossbrae Falls
Location: Dunsmuir, CA
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Mossbrae Falls is one of Northern California’s most ethereal waterfalls, spilling over a moss-covered cliff into the Sacramento River. Despite its beauty, this waterfall has stirred up some controversy due to its location on private land—partly owned by Union Pacific Railroad and partly by a religious group. And, the unofficial trail requires walking along active train tracks, making it a risky hike.
Still, Mossbrae Falls sees plenty of visitors, especially in the summer. Plans are supposedly underway for a safer, official trail, but until then, hike at your own risk.
9. Glen Alpine Falls
Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Located in South Lake Tahoe along Fallen Leaf Lake Road, Glen Alpine Falls is one of Lake Tahoe's most impressive waterfalls. The best time to visit is in spring when it's at its peak; by late summer, this waterfall is pretty much down to a trickle.
What’s nice about this spot is there’s no hike involved. Just park your car and walk right up to the falls! You can get pretty close, but be careful—the rocks can be slippery.
Keep in mind that Fallen Leaf Lake Road is a narrow, one-lane road, so be ready to pull to the side when another car comes by.
10. Eagle Falls
Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Best Time to Visit: April to July
Eagle Falls, made up of two sections- Upper and Lower, is located off Highway 89 in South Lake Tahoe. Upper Eagle Falls is just a five-minute hike up a set of granite stairs from the parking lot. After taking in Upper Eagle Falls from the bridge, you can continue the hike to Eagle Lake, which I highly recommend. The hike in total (including Eagle Lake) is just under 2 miles out & back.
Lower Eagle Falls is at the bottom of Emerald Bay reached via the Vikingsholm Trail. Note that the parking lot here fills up quickly as the falls are located in Emerald Bay State Park (arguably the most visited location in Lake Tahoe), so get there early or in the late afternoon to secure parking. The hike to Lower Eagle Falls starting from the Vikingsholm Trail is 2.5 miles out & back.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to Northern California's best waterfalls!
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