The Nature of California makes it worth the adventure. Every waterfall is unique and so is the experience involved with it. If you are a waterfall lover and love to hike and explore waterfalls, California’s waterfall hike is for you. Here’s a list of the 13 best waterfall hikes in California that are worth exploring.
Burney Falls Loop Trail
The easiest waterfall hike in California is 0.9 miles, located in Burney Falls Memorial State Park. This is the easiest of all the waterfall hikes. Though the easiest one, the end of this hike will leave you awestruck, and make you explore flora and fauna. Covered by the Cascade mountains, it is worth exploring the waterfall.
Switzer Falls
Offering a variety of hiking trails, Switzer Falls is a 4.5-mile waterfall hike. Along the track, you will be passing through a lot of water bodies. It lets you take your dog along with you. One of the ideal family hiking spots, this waterfall hike lets you uncover the beauty of nature. You will encounter a lot of wild animals and scenic views of mountains which are worth capturing.
Vernal Falls
This is a short but steep waterfall hike, but it is worth exploring. This 3.9-mile waterfall hike will make you cross the bridge which offers you a look at Verna Falls. This is a not-so-easy trail, but the lush greens and the calming wind will help you make this hike a successful one. Make sure to wear good shoes and watch your steps on this track as the stairs are slippery and you might hurt yourself. Though a hard one, this waterfall hike is a must for all adventure freaks.
San Antonio Falls
A small and easy waterfall hike of 1.3 miles is kids and dog-friendly. Plan this waterfall hikes if you are looking to spend quality time with your friends and family. This scenic waterfall hike offers refreshing winds. During this hike, you will come across some wild animals, squirrels, and a variety of birds.
Alamere Falls
A beautiful Alamere Falls is pouring into the Pacific. Plan this hike during clear weather to enjoy the blissful views of the ocean, along with Bass Lake, Farallon Islands, and Pelican Lake. This is a moderate waterfall hike of 13.6 miles. Remember to wear clothes with full sleeves so that you can avoid the poison oak. Avoid this beautiful waterfall hike during high tides.
Dawn Falls
A small 2.7-mile track is covered with tall green trees. It is a well-maintained track making it a good waterfall hike during rainy days. You can enjoy the view of hills along with water, making it a romantic hike. If you also wish to go horseback riding, then this trail offers you that. It is a moderate track where you can do a nature walk and get views of trees like redwoods, ferns, and wildflowers.
Cataract Falls Trail
If you wish to take your dog along with you on a waterfall hike, the Cataract Falls trail is the best option due to its not-so-difficult trail and short distance. This is a 2.7-mile-long hike located in the San Francisco Bay area. It is a good picnic spot and you will be able to enjoy waterfalls throughout this hike. Not only will you be able to enjoy the serenity of water from out, but you can take a bath in the pool at the junction of Helen Markt and Cataract Trail.
Rainbow Falls
This is an easy 4.9-mile waterfall hike located in Devil’s Postpile, California. If you are planning a waterfall hike but want it to be a relaxed one, this waterfall hike will be a good option to go on. It is a well-maintained and dog-friendly hike, so you won’t have to leave your dog behind at home. There are high chances of your shoes getting wet, so travel here with the necessary precautions. This track is a good option during sunny days as sun rays with misty waters make a beautiful rainbow.
Mirror Lake
Among the most memorable waterfall hikes comes the Mirror Lake trail. With only a 4.4-mile distance, this hike is for everyone including the ones who don’t prefer to go on a tiresome track. This waterfall hike is located in Yosemite National Park, and offers all that you wish for, that is peace. This track is less crowded, so you can plan your hike anytime. You need to make reservations beforehand. If you are an adventurous person, you need to try this hike.
Rubicon Trail
This unhidden gem is not an easy waterfall hike. Rubicon Trail is a 16.4-mile waterfall hike that takes almost 7 hours to reach the destination. Though pets are not allowed on this track, it offers smooth rising and falling roads. It is located on the southwest shore of southern Lake Tahoe. The hike is not so tough, and reaching the final destination will take away all your tiredness. Enjoy the pleasing view of Lake Tahoe from an elevation of 2306 feet.
Sturtevant Falls
The best waterfall hike during the months from November to March is to Sturtevant Falls. This 3-miles is full of green plants and trees and serves you well if you want to be close to nature. An adventure freak can enjoy this fun and moderate trail going along a river crossing and beautiful waterfalls on the track. Not only this, you can enjoy other recreational activities like camping and bike riding. Make sure to plan an early time as this is among the crowded waterfalls.
Clementine Trail
A 4.47-mile-long waterfall hike takes you to a point where the North fork of the American River meets the cliff. This less crowded waterfall is located on the Foresthill Bridge, which is California’s tallest bridge. If you have a pet dog and you wish to take him/her along on this beautiful hike, take them with you on a leash. This track will be a good option if you wish to do an adventure but not a tough one.
Eaton Canyon Falls
Located in Pasadena, California, it is a family-friendly waterfall hike. If you are looking for a moderate waterfall hike, Eaton Canyon Falls will be a good option. This is a 3.5-mile-long hike. It will be a good choice if you wish to take your dog along with you. This trail offers you all the scenic beauty and plenty of shades of green. A rocky path offers adventure, though it is crowded during weekends due to its popularity.
The waterfall hike is one of the best options for a day out if you plan to do some adventure with your friends, partner, or family close to nature. The scenic beauty of the tracks and waterfall will not make you feel tired.
