California Waterfalls
California has 14 named waterfalls on record across 7 counties. 2 waterfalls are free to visit. 12 need a hike and 1 needs a high-clearance road. 10 have a closure or hazard note on file.
- No closure on file
- Closed, or no soaking or swimming
No waterfalls match.
| Name | Height | Flows | Access | Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 ft | Development – | Access 13.2 mi hike (round trip), gravel road | Fee No entrance or day-use parking fee | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 620 ft | Development year-round | Access 0.5 mi hike (round trip) | Fee Private vehicle entrance $35 for 7 days (motorcycle $30; walk/bike $20 per person 16+). Cash not accepted. | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 129 ft | Development year-round | Access paved road | Fee $10 per vehicle day-use | Status No closure on file | |
| 2200 ft | Development year-round | Access 8.2 mi hike (round trip), paved road | Fee Private vehicle entrance $35 for 7 days (motorcycle $30; walk/bike $20 per person 16+). Cash not accepted. | Status No closure on file | |
| 640 ft | Development March through May | Access 9 mi hike (round trip) | Fee No day-use fee listed on Plumas NF Feather Falls recreation pages; confirm at the trailhead. | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 25 ft | Development – | Access 0.3 mi hike | Fee No public day-use fee; private property closed to visitors since 2020. | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 50 ft | Development year-round | Access 3.5 mi hike (round trip), paved road | Fee No fee | Status No closure on file | |
| 80 ft | Development – | Access paved road | Fee – | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 594 ft | Development year-round | Access 5.4 mi hike (round trip) | Fee Private vehicle entrance $35 for 7 days (motorcycle $30; walk/bike $20 per person 16+). Cash not accepted. | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 65 ft | Development year-round | Access 0.3 mi hike, high clearance road | Fee No fee | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 101 ft | Development – | Access 2.5 mi hike | Fee Shuttle $15 adult / $7 child (3-15); or $10/vehicle amenity when driving | Status No closure on file | |
| 120 ft | Development – | Access 0.3 mi hike (round trip), paved road | Fee – | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 317 ft | Development year-round | Access 2.4 mi hike (round trip) | Fee Private vehicle entrance $35 for 7 days (motorcycle $30; walk/bike $20 per person 16+). Cash not accepted. | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 2425 ft | Development After rain or snowmelt | Access 1 mi hike (round trip) | Fee Private vehicle entrance $35 for 7 days (motorcycle $30; walk/bike $20 per person 16+). Cash not accepted. | Status Closure or warning on file |
Photo credits (13)
- Alamere Falls: Renedrivers, CC BY 3.0
- Bridalveil Fall: Nancyswikiaccount, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Burney Falls: Dvortygirl, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Chilnualna Falls: Bmdavll, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Feather Falls: Podruznik at English Wikipedia, Public domain
- McCloud Falls: Sergey Yarmolyuk, CC BY-SA 4.0
- McWay Falls: King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Nevada Fall: Steffen Schmitz (more photos), CC BY-SA 4.0
- Potem Falls: pinecar ( talk ) ( Uploads ), Public domain
- Rainbow Falls: Ashlynds, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Salmon Creek Falls: Sancho McCann from Vancouver, Canada, CC BY 2.0
- Vernal Fall: God of War, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Yosemite Falls: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0
Common questions
Where are the waterfalls in California?
14 named waterfalls are on record: Alamere Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Burney Falls, Chilnualna Falls, Feather Falls, Hatchet Creek Falls, and 8 more.
Are there free waterfalls in California?
Yes. No fee on record for McCloud Falls and Potem Falls. Each page cites its source.
What is the tallest waterfall in California?
Of the waterfalls on record here with a stated height, Yosemite Falls is the tallest, at about 2425 ft.
Are any waterfalls in California closed?
A closure or hazard note is on file for Alamere Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Feather Falls, Hatchet Creek Falls, McWay Falls, Nevada Fall, and 4 more. Each page has the dated detail.
