These 15 Hidden Waterfalls in Northern California Will Take Your Breath Away
By Joanne Kraft|Updated on January 21, 2023(Originally published January 20, 2023)
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Joanne Kraft
Author
Joanne is a fourth-generation Northern Californian. She knows good sour dough bread when she tastes it and understands the best parts of the Golden State are nowhere near Los Angeles.
When you think about Northern California, do you think about waterfalls? You should! The Pacific Ocean borders our coastline and takes our breath away with each rocky peak and sandy shore. But there’s a lot more to water in our part of the country than sandy beaches and rocky crags. Waterfalls, for example. In fact, there are an abundance of hidden waterfalls in Northern California; wondrous falls that will absolutely take your breath away.
Yep, we have our fair share of incredible spots that will help you forget the Pacific Ocean for a while. Spots you can hike to, picnic below, or just throw caution to the wind and jump on into. Here are a few of our favorites:
These falls were called the "eighth wonder of the world" by President Theodore Roosevelt. They're located in McArthur-Burney Fall Memorial State Park, Shasta County. This is one of the hidden gems in Northern California, and a must-see if you’re visiting McArthur-Burney Fall Memorial State Park.
AKA Shingle Falls & Beale Falls, you can find Faery Falls at the Spenceville Wildlife Refuge. Take the easy trail out, and visit two of these stunning waterfalls for a show-stopping afternoon hike.
Editor's Note: Access to these falls is closed due to fire damage.
Plumas National Forest
is where you can find this beauty. Feather Falls freefalls at an awesome 410 feet, making it the sixth highest in the nation. A favorite of many, the fall boasts swimming holes and killer views. The view of the canyon from the brink is to die for.
You'll find Mossbrae Falls tucked away in the tiny scenic town of Dunsmuir just south of Mount Shasta. But you can’t actually get there—not legally, anyway. There's controversy surrounding this waterfall, which, until further notice, is officially closed to the public.
Potem Falls is 70 feet of glorious cascading water, plummeting into the Pit River. Who needs Hawaii, anyway? This stunning, easy 0.5-mile hike will bring you to one of the most beautiful places in Northern California. This one belongs on your bucket list!
For over 40 years this waterfall was a well-kept secret, but a 220-foot waterfall is a tough secret to keep. The Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a must-do, especially on this family-friendly 2.7-mile out-and-back hike.
Hiking on Mt. Whitney brings some of the most beautiful scenery this side of heaven. A waterfall is the crown jewel of this hike. The picnic area is a particularly lovely place to stop and rest a while. But watch out, you might just want to stay forever!
At a mere 16 feet high, this waterfall is an easy hike to see and is gracious enough to make room for the perfect watering hole. The World of Waterfalls database details how the falls split each and every summer, for a fantastic show.
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9. Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls Regional Park, 7587 Mears Pl, Auburn, CA 95603, USA
Hidden Falls Regional Park is where this cutie resides. This park opened in 2006 and includes seven miles of hiking trails. We approve! This easy loop trail is definitely one of the best hiking trails in Northern California because it’s hard to beat this waterfall view!
Spring is one of the best times to visit this 109-foot beauty! Have plans for the weekend? Now you do! If you put off the hike until summer, the falls aren’t nearly as impressive, so be sure to hike this short 3.5-mile hike early in the spring.
Located in Yosemite National Park, there are two waterfalls that cascade side by side over 1,500 feet! If Horsetail Fall is flowing in February and the weather conditions are just right, the setting sun illuminates the waterfall, making it glow orange and red. Pretty awesome! It may be a hard hike, but the views from the top will blow you away.
Since we're already in Yosemite, we need to show you Yosemite Falls. The highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet. Yeah, she's kind of a big deal. I mean, Yosemite has a ton of amazing waterfalls, but Yosemite Falls will take your breath away.
Alamere Falls is a rare "tidefall," a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. (You know you're impressed.) It is one of only two in the area, the other being McWay Falls. Take the long but stunning coastline trail all the way out to this unforgettable beauty on your next day off.
Sardine Falls is located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Its highest point is 9,000 feet, with the trailhead elevation at 8,800 feet. It's known to be a desolate hike, so bring essentials in your backpack. Make sure you head uphill and keep the creek within earshot, and you should find the waterfall easily.
These falls show off after a good rainstorm. Consisting of about seven separate cascades along Cataract Creek, they are all in the neighborhood of 30 to 60 feet and are a whole lot of gorgeous. Scattered, cascading waterfalls? Where do we sign up? Just follow the trail all the way up to these beauties and make sure you start at the trailhead off of Bolinas Fairfax Road.
When was the last time you packed a lunch and took Mother Nature’s hand for a quick hike? Discover the hidden beauty Northern California has to offer – we promise there’s much more to see than the Pacific Ocean, like these stunning hidden waterfalls in Northern California.
How about you? Which of these waterfalls have YOU seen up close and face to face? Which ones did you just add to your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
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More to Explore
Hidden Waterfalls In Northern California
Megan McDonald|April 09, 2021
What is the largest waterfall in California?
Yosemite Falls is not just the largest waterfall in California, but one of the tallest in the entire United States. It falls from a jaw-dropping 2,425 feet. It's also one of the only places in the entire country where you can catch a glimpse of the elusive Moonbow.
What is the best time of year to see waterfalls in California?
Hike out to the waterfalls in the springtime and you’ll see all the snow melt intensity in these stunning waterfalls. This is the best time of year to explore these natural beauties.
