7 Enchanting Waterfalls In California To Add To Your Western US Bucket List
California is home to gorgeous beaches and vivid sunsets. But there’s so much more to the Golden State than surf and sand. Check out these jaw-dropping 7 California waterfalls to road trip to.
Consider this your ultimate guide to all things waterfalls and paradise. Don’t forget your swimsuit and camera.
McArthur-Burney Falls
Price: Entrance fee is $8
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Location: Burney Falls, California 96013
Why You Need To Go: This easy 1.3-mile hike will take you right to the base of a gorgeous 129-foot waterfall. You can also swim in the blue waters of Lake Britton and explore all the hidden coves around the waterfalls.
Rainbow Falls
Price: $10 per person cost for shuttle service to get to the falls. You can purchase shuttle tickets at the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center.
Hours: The hike is open 24/7. However, it is a far hike back to the main lodge. Shuttle operating hours are from 7 am to 7 pm daily.
Location: End of CA-203 West Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Why You Need To Go: This 101-foot cascading waterfall often has giant double rainbows framing it. The best time to come is midday when the rainbows are largest.
Yosemite Falls
Price: $35 admission to the national park
Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: Yosemite Village, CA 95389
Why You Need To Go: You don’t even have to hike to see the falls. There are numerous places you can spot them throughout the valley, and the scenery is stunning.
Escondido Falls
Price: $8 parking fee
Hours: 24 hours
Location: Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265
Why You Need To Go: At the right time of the year, this seasonal waterfall can reach 150 feet tall. You can even bring your leashed dogs on this hike. The upper falls are located on private property and are not open to the public, but you can see gorgeous views from the designated trails.
Alamere Falls
Price: Free
Hours: 6 AM to 12 AM (entrance to Point Reyes National Seashore)
Location: Palomarin Trailhead, Point Reyes National Seashore
Why You Need To Go: This 8.4-mile roundtrip hike isn’t easy, but the views are so rewarding! This rare and beautiful 40-foot tidefall cascades right onto the beach until it reaches the ocean. You’ll also get excellent views of the Pacific and terrain forest.
McWay Falls
Price: Big Sur entrance fee is $10 per car.
Hours: Big Sur is open a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset.
Location: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, CA 93920
Why You Need To Go: This gorgeous 80-foot waterfall is iconic. McWay Falls cascades onto the sand and flows into the sparkling turquoise ocean water.
Feather Falls
Price: $10 Plumas National Forest entrance fee
Hours: Please contact the park for more information.Location: Feather Falls Trailhead, Oroville, CA 95966
Why You Need To Go: It’s the 6th tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S. And let's be honest. It's absolutely stunning.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.