Best Waterfalls in Southern California: 13 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

There is just something about water. From crashing waves to bubbling streams to thundering waterfalls, water can be the most relaxing, inspiring, and magnetizing thing, and we just can’t get enough, which brings us to this epic collection of breathtaking sights. If you start your adventure-planning with a “waterfalls near me” internet search, then you are in the right place. We are about to take you on a tantalizing tour of some of the best waterfalls in Southern California. Are you ready?

Tallest Waterfalls In Southern California

Southern California waterfalls may not be the tallest in the country, or even the state, but make no mistake about it – we have some incredible and impressive cascades that simply must be seen.

Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA

Cindy Salazar/AllTrails

• Attribute 1: Location: San Bernardino National Forest, Forest Falls, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Popular, especially during summer months
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: There is a free gravel parking area and a paved parking lot that requires an adventure pass from US Forest Service. Best times to visit are from April to October. In early spring or after heavy rains, use caution when crossing the water to reach the falls.

The name Big Falls is appropriate for this majestic year-round waterfall which is comprised of two main drops and several smaller cascades as it heads down to the river below. The upper drop is around 200 feet with the total falls spanning a whopping 500 feet from top to bottom, making it the biggest waterfall in Southern California! You can view the falls from an overlook reached by a rocky trail with a water crossing.

993 Falls Rd, Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA

Cherise Bracamonte/AllTrails

• Attribute 1: Location: Angeles National Forest, Mt. Baldy, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Very popular hiking area
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: An adventure pass must be displayed in vehicles accessing the area. Best times for viewing are late spring and early summer. The trail can be wet and slippery, so caution is advised.

Located off of a popular hiking trail in the Angeles National Forest in San Bernardino County, many don’t realize how tall this unique waterfall is because most people and resources focus on the bottom tier which is the most visible part as you get close to the base of the falls. In total though, this multi-tier cascade is estimated at about 100 to 150 feet. It takes some planning to truly enjoy this waterfall at its best. It flows at its fullest when a Mt. Baldy has gotten plenty of snow and that snow begins to melt.

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Lytle Creek, CA 92358, USA

Michael Gonzalez/AllTrails

• Attribute 1: Location: San Bernardino County, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Very popular
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: An adventure pass is required. Best times to visit are from March to October.

A stunning waterfall in the San Gabriel Mountains, Bonita Falls is one where the reward is far greater than the effort required. A short hike will take you to an incredible cascade with a drop of over 100 feet (some sources estimate it closer to 200 feet.) The falls collect into a little pool before flowing into Lytle Creek - a perfect spot for hikers to cool off on a summer adventure .

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Best Waterfall Hikes In Southern California

For true adventurers, there is nothing like a great hiking trail that features a beautiful cascade – am I right? So, lace up your boots, fill your water bottle, and hit the trail on a few of the best waterfall hikes in Southern California.

Boulder Creek Road, Boulder Creek Rd, California, USA

Fatima Romero/AllTrails

• Attribute 1: Location: Cleveland National Forest, Julian, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Popular trail with more serious hikers.
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: An adventure pass is required. Falls run year-round but are much smaller in late summer. The road to the trail is rocky, so a high-clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Trail not recommended for kids or dogs due to terrain.

Three Sisters Falls is one of two stunning waterfalls down south in San Diego County. The spectacular triple-tier seasonal waterfall is at the end of a fairly challenging 4-mile round trip hike. The trail is full of scenic views and during the spring and summer, has plenty of colorful wildflowers long the way. To reach the falls does require some scrambling and traversing rocks, but the payoff is amazing. Each tier flows into a pool where you can cool off in the heat. The two miles down to the falls are less strenuous than the uphill trek back, so bring plenty of water and snacks to refuel.

Julian, CA 92036, USA

Kathleen Gordinier/AllTrails

• Attribute 1: Location: Cleveland National Forest, Ramona, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Popular with locals, but lesser known than other falls in the region
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: A permit is required to enter the area and must be purchased online ahead of time. Limited permits are issued per day and may sell out. Technically a desert area, there may be extreme heat in the summer.

This scenic waterfall trail in Cleveland National Forest is challenging but oh, so worth the effort. Before reaching the picturesque Cedar Creek Falls, you will revel in gorgeous mountain views and lush foliage, which incidentally makes this a special place to visit in the fall, but it is beautiful in any season. The waterfall itself is a sight to behold, tumbling 80 feet down an incredible rocky canyon wall. Unlike many waterfall pools, At the base of Cedar Creek Falls is a true swimming hole, perfect for a summer day. Take this bucket list-worthy trek starting from the San Diego River Gorge trailhead in Ramona.

Wildwood Regional Park, 928 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA

Lida Lusiana/AllTrails

• Attribute 1: Location: Wildwood Regional Park, Thousand Oaks, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Very popular area, especially on weekends
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: The park is free to enter and open year-round. Best times to visit the trail and falls are from November through August.

The picturesque 2.8-mile loop that takes you to this pretty waterfall is just one of many trails inside Wildwood Regional Park. Actually, the loop is comprised of parts of three trails - Mesa, Teepee, and Moonridge trails. As the names imply, there is much to see on this waterfall hike. From a cool teepee structure to spring wildflowers to Indian Cave, and more, it is worth spending a day exploring. There are plenty of scenic picnic areas and vibrant greenery along the way, and the thundering falls (especially after a good rainy season) do not disappoint.

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701 Angeles Crest Scenic Bywy, Tujunga, CA 91042, USA

Aaron C/Google Reviews

• Attribute 1: Location: Angeles National Forest, Tujunga, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Fairly popular, especially on weekends
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: An adventure pass is required. Trail is open year-round. Unshaded sections can experience high temperatures during summer.

At the end of a pleasant 3.7-mile canyon trail, you will find the lovely Switzer Falls and swimming hole. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, colorful flowers, a flowing stream, and even historic ruins, every part of this hike is thoroughly enjoyable. The views are amazing as the trail takes you above the waterfall then back downstream where you can walk to the base of the falls. On a warm summer day, there is nothing like a cool dip in the pristine pool to refresh you for even more exploring. Want a bit more? Extend your adventure by continuing up the canyon for another couple of miles to enjoy its wild beauty. Bring food or snacks and end your trek with a picnic near the trailhead.

Easy-Access Waterfalls In Southern California

Enjoying beautiful falls is not reserved for the ultra-adventurous! Whether you are looking for a short, beginner-friendly hike or an easy path where you can bring the kids, you will want to put these easy-to-access waterfalls on your to-do list.

Rose Valley Campground, Rose Valley Lake Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, USA

Alan Gilliam/Google Reviews

• Attribute 1: Location: Rose Valley Campground, Ojai, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Popular spot for camping and hiking
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: The trailhead is inside a small campground. Beautiful to visit year-round, most impressive in spring and after rainfall.

The short and shady hike to Rose Valley Falls is less than a mile round-trip and is quite scenic. You start in the Rose Valley Campground and follow the trail to the pretty cascade over moss-covered rocks. There are actually two waterfalls in the area which makes this an especially enjoyable day trip or an awesome addition to a little family camping trip.

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Soldier Creek, California 91702, USA

Angela Randolph/AllTrails

• Attribute 1: Location: Angeles National Forest, Azusa, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Hidden gem
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: An adventure pass is required. Parking is limited at the trailhead. Open year-round.

Lewis Falls is a lovely hidden waterfall in Southern California accessible by a short 0.8-mile hike. In terms of accessibility, it is a little bit of a climb with small water crossings, but there is plenty of shade and it is not considered difficult. This is a short and enjoyable hike for families and kids that takes most visitors just over a half-hour to reach the falls.

Altadena, CA, USA

Evan Ponter/AllTrails

• Attribute 1: Location: Altadena, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Fairly popular with hikers and mountain bikers, especially on weekends
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: An adventure pass is required. Trail is open year-round.

Another great family-friendly option is the boulder-studded Millard Canyon Falls. The waterfall is just over half of a mile from the trailhead and a pleasant, relatively easy trek through a picturesque canyon. As a bonus, there is a small campground where you can picnic, barbecue, or stay overnight.

Best Waterfalls Near Los Angeles

Perhaps Los Angeles is not where you would expect to find natural beauty, let alone waterfalls, but believe it or not, you don’t have to stray far from the city to find them. Step away from the chaos and cool off at one of these incredible Los Angeles County waterfalls.

Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265

Carly Delaplane/AllTrails

• Attribute 1: Location: Malibu, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Very Popular area for hiking and mountain biking
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: There is a fee to enter Escondido Canyon Park and a fee to park in the small lot across from Escondido Beach. There are water crossings and muddy areas right after the rainy season, so good shoes are recommended.

When you want to see a truly beautiful waterfall, but are not up for a strenuous trail adventure, the relatively easy hike to Malibu’s Escondido Falls just above Pacific Coast Highway is just the ticket. It’s worth noting that parts of the trail are on a paved road and pass through a residential area full of large homes, but it is beautiful nonetheless, with interesting landscapes and lovely ocean views. Even with a good possibility of getting wet on the trail during spring months, this hike is dog and family-friendly, and just a short drive from Los Angeles!

Tujunga, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Jodie Serror/Google Reviews

• Attribute 1: Location: Angeles National Forest, Sunland-Tujunga, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Fairly popular, but not usually crowded
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: An adventure pass is required.

Nestled in the mountains, Trail Canyon Falls and the hike leading to it are like something out of a fairytale, with lush greenery and wildflowers leading to a picture-perfect cascade down a steep canyon wall. The trail is considered moderately challenging with some steep areas and water crossings, but the magnificent views are worth the effort. The waterfall is at its fullest during winter and early spring months but it is a beautiful place to explore any time of the year.

1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA

Hailey Cai/AllTrails

• Attribute 1: Location: Pasadena, CA
• Attribute 2: Popularity: Very popular and often crowded, especially on weekends
• Attribute 3: Need To Know: No fee or permit required! If you visit on weekends, it is recommended to come early.

Another enchanting waterfall just outside of the city of Los Angeles is Eaton Canyon Falls. You will almost definitely have to share the area with other visitors, and should bring water shoes to get through the many stream crossings to reach the falls, but the area is full of scenic views and, in the spring, lots of colorful flowers. In the summer, you can cool off in the falls and the little pool at the base. This is one of the SoCal waterfalls that flows throughout the year, so always worth the effort (and the crowds that are usually on the trail).

So now, all that’s left is to decide which magnificent waterfall you will visit first! How many of these beautiful places have you explored? We would love to hear about your favorite – share with us in the comments! Natural beauty is easy to find if you know where to look. Did you know that we also have some pretty impressive urban waterfalls here in SoCal, too? Check them out!