The Top 20 Waterfalls in California
However you get there, waterfalls are breathtaking places, and you have 20
beautiful waterfalls to choose from in California. So you can better figure out which one to visit on your next trip outdoors, see photos and tips of each waterfall below — and easily plan your next adventure!
beautiful waterfalls to choose from in California. So you can better figure out which one to visit on your next trip outdoors, see photos and tips of each waterfall below — and easily plan your next adventure!
Last updated: October 5, 2025
Vernal Falls is one of the most prominent waterfalls within Yosemite National Park and therefor also very popular. To get here, start at the Happy Isles trailhead and hike up …
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Two of the spectacular waterfalls of Yosemite National Park can, and have to be, accessed very closely along this hiking trail, which connects to the long-distance John-Muir-Trail. Nevada and particularly …
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A challenging historical trail that takes about six to eight hours round trip, depending on your fitness level. Winding your way up the mountain, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Yosemite …
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Follow the trailhead sign at the parking area's far end. The Cascade Trail offers stunning views of Cascade Lake and Lake Tahoe. It's a rewarding short hike that takes around …
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Alamere Falls in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California is a rare "tidefall", a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. It is one of only two in the …
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As you approach Lower Yosemite Fall Vista Point, the sound of the roaring waterfall builds anticipation. Once you arrive, you're greeted by the stunning sight of the fall cascading down …
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From the parking lot it is only about 5 minutes to walk to the waterfall. The trail is even suitable for wheelchairs.
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The hike is very pleasant and offers a wonderful destination. Best in spring, when there is a lot of water flowing through the snowmelt.
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Great waterfall, you should be covered in rain gear from head to toe. Very beautiful rainbow.
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Rainbow Falls is the highest waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. Plunging 101-feet down to the turbulent water below, the falls are named for the rainbows …
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Looking for more great places nearby? See even more amazing waterfalls in California with these guides per region:
Santa Clara CountyTuolumne CountyEl Dorado CountyCoast RangeMadera CountyVentura CountyLos Angeles CountySan Diego CountyMarin CountyMariposa CountyShasta CountyTulare CountySanta Cruz CountySierra NevadaInyo CountyFresno CountySiskiyou CountySanta Barbara CountyMono CountyMonterey CountyShasta-Trinity National Forest
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Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls in California:
Appalachian MountainsNew YorkOregonHawaiiWashingtonWyomingVirginiaUtahNorth CarolinaColoradoNew HampshireTennesseeMinnesotaGeorgiaPennsylvaniaArizonaOhioTexasMarylandKauaʻi CountyMontanaMaui CountyIllinoisAlaskaSouth CarolinaAlabamaNevadaIdahoWisconsinNew JerseyMichiganMaineVermontNew MexicoSouth DakotaMassachusettsArkansasHonolulu CountyConnecticutHawaiʻi CountyKentuckyWest VirginiaMissouriRhode Island
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