Want to be impressed by the tallest waterfall in Southern California? You came to the right place. Big Falls in the Los Padres National Forest near the charming town of Forest Falls is a sight to see. It has five tiers and is the oldest standing waterfall in the area.

Please note: The Big Falls Trail can be slippery and dangerous past the observation deck. Please check the USDA Forest Service website for current trail conditions and closure information. If the trail is closed for safety reasons, you can still see the beautiful falls from the observation deck.

To reach the trailhead, you'll turn east off Highway 38. Once you've reached Valley of the Falls Road in Forest Fall, you'll travel to the top end of the road. You can find the trailhead at the parking lot on the left. It's before you reach the picnic area. You'll walk a short distance to get to it, so good footwear is something you'll want to invest in and wear.
Sara Fairchild / AllTrails
The flow of water is magnificent in Forest Falls. Watching it cascade down tier after tier of stone is nothing short of spectacular. There is no other waterfall in the area as tall as Big Falls. In fact, Big Falls is the tallest waterfall in SoCal.
Austin Sherman / AllTrails
You can see the hills in the distance in some locations throughout Forest Falls. The landscape is vast and varied. Getting introduced to Southern California through its beautiful natural scenery is an excellent way to spend a vacation.
Dominico Cosma/AllTrails

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The flowers you find throughout the area are vibrant. They're attractive and bright. It's yet another reminder of how awesome Mother Nature is at painting the landscape with color. Southern California provides multiple environments to explore, with many present in the area of Big Falls.
Chris Lanier/AllTrails
There are many places to stop and reflect on what you're witnessing. Big Falls Trail is 4.4 miles in length. It's excellent for walking, hiking, birding, and photography.
Tina Nguyễn / AllTrails
Don't miss Forest Falls in the fall when the foliage changes brilliant colors. It's a sight to see as the skyline is full of autumnal reds, oranges, yellows, and gold. Taking pictures of the area tops the list of fun activities to do year-round.
Niceley via Wikimedia Commons

If you want a special place to explore in Southern California, head to Catalina Island. Take a quick look at one of our favorite hidden gems in this video:

Can’t get over the natural beauty of the tallest waterfall in Southern California? You don’t need to anytime soon. Check out these hidden waterfalls in Southern California that will take your breath away. Get outdoors and hike to some of the most incredible locations in the state. You won’t regret it!

These 9 Hidden Waterfalls In Southern California Will Take Your Breath Away

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More to Explore

SoCal Waterfalls

Chris Muras | March 28, 2024

What are some cool waterfalls in Southern California?
SoCal may be known for its beautiful beaches and surf lifestyle, but there are plenty of wonderful waterfall hikes to get away from the city and into nature. Here are a few cool waterfalls in Southern California that we really enjoy:

  • Ortega Falls, Lake Elsinore, CA: On a hot day in Southern California it is a rare treat to find a shallow pool to cool off in. It's even better when that pool has a cool little waterfall. Ortega Falls is a lovely hidden gem in the Cleveland National Forest. The trail leading to the falls is only about a quarter mile long, but it is one of our favorite quiet places to enjoy nature in SoCal.
  • Three Sisters Falls, Julian, CA: Take the Three Sisters Falls Trail in the Cleveland National Forest to reach a super cool three-tiered waterfall. Rocky walls surround each section of the falls in a hidden alcove that is fun to climb. The pool the middle section flows into can be pretty deep in the spring which becomes a nice swimming hole. The trail is around four miles total out and back so it makes for a fun hike any time of the year.
  • Millard Canyon Falls, Altadena, CA: The short 1.2-mile trail leading to this waterfall is just as beautiful as the falls itself. You'll walk through an enchanted forest with trickling streams to cross and sunlight filtering through the trees. The reward once you reach the end of the trail is the 40-foot Millard Canyon Falls. One of our favorite times to visit is in the spring when the waterfall is flowing steadily.

From beach hikes to mountain trails overlooking stunning valleys, Southern California has plenty of places to go for a good hike. If you enjoy hiking as much as we do, you'll love our guide to the best hiking trails in Southern California. Grab a map or two from AllTrails+ and see where your boots take you.

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Featured Addresses
Valley of the Falls Drive, Valley of the Falls Dr, Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA