13 Breathtaking Waterfalls You’ll Find in Southern California

Southern California may be known for its beaches and sunny weather, but it’s also home to
some surprisingly beautiful waterfalls. From crashing waves to bubbling streams to thundering waterfalls, water can be the most relaxing, inspiring, and mesmerizing thing. And we just can’t get enough of waterfalls in Southern California, as they bring us to this epic collection of breathtaking sights.

If you're planning your next outdoor adventure, these stunning SoCal waterfalls deserve a spot on your list.

1. Forest Adventure to Big Falls

• Location: San Bernardino National Forest, Forest Falls, CA
• Popularity: Busy, especially during the summer months
• Need To Know:

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 reaching 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. Parking is available near the Big Falls Picnic Area, where hikers can access the short trail leading to the viewing point.

2. Mountain Views on the Trail to San Antonio Falls

• Location: Angeles National Forest, Mt. Baldy, California
• Popularity: This very popular hiking area is quite busy at peak times
• Need To Know:

Located off 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. However, this multi-tier cascade is estimated at about 100 to 150 feet. It takes some planning to enjoy this waterfall at its best. It flows at its fullest when Mt. Baldy has gotten plenty of snow, and that snow begins to melt.

3. A Scenic Trek to Bonita Falls

• Location: San Bernardino National Forest, California
• Popularity: Very busy at peak times
• Need To Know:

A stunning waterfall in the San Gabriel Mountains, Bonita Falls, offers a reward 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.

4. The Challenging Hike to Three Sisters Falls

• Location: Cleveland National Forest, Julian, CA
• Popularity: May be busy, as this is a popular trail with more serious hikers
• Need To Know:

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 four-mile round-trip hike. The trail offers scenic views and, in spring and summer, plenty of colorful wildflowers along 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.

5. The Iconic Trek to Cedar Creek Falls

• Location: Cleveland National Forest, Ramona, CA
• Popularity: Less busy than other, better-known falls in the region
• 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, make 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.

6. Family-Friendly Walk to Paradise Falls

• Location: Wildwood Regional Park, Thousand Oaks, CA
• Popularity: Very busy during peak times
• Need To Know:

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 made up of parts of three trails: Mesa, Teepee, and Moonridge. 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.

7. A Desert Surprise at Darwin Falls

• Location: Death Valley National Park, California
• Popularity: Can be busy at peak times
• Need To Know:
• Hike in the morning to avoid high temperatures
• A daily entry fee or America the Beautiful Pass is required

If you're up for a longer hike with a waterfall payoff, head to Death Valley National Park and set out on a 2-mile, out-and-back hike to Darwin Falls. Darwin Falls is one of the few year-round waterfalls in the massive park and thus supports a unique ecosystem worth the trek. The spring that creates the falls supports amphibians, like frogs and toads, which you probably wouldn't expect to find in the harsh Death Valley environment, as well as other animals like bighorn sheep, which depend on the year-round water source for survival.

8. An Easy Forest Walk to Rose Valley Falls

• Location: Los Padres National Forest, Ojai, CA
• Popularity: Busy spot for camping and hiking
• Need To Know:

The short, 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.

9. Hidden Beauty at Lewis Falls

• Location: Angeles National Forest, Azusa, CA
• Popularity: Rarely busy
• Need To Know:

Lewis Falls is a lovely hidden waterfall in Southern California accessible via 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 short and enjoyable hike for families and kids takes most visitors just over a half-hour to reach the falls.

10. A Short Hike to Heart Rock Falls

• Location: San Bernardino National Forest, California
• Popularity: May be busy at peak times
• Need To Know:

Another great family-friendly option is the short hike to Heart Rock Falls in the San Bernardino National Forest. You can reach this unique waterfall via a 1.8-mile loop trail. There is a bit of an elevation gain - just under 300 feet – so it may be moderately challenging for some, but the falls you'll encounter along Seeley Creek will take your mind off the climb.

11. A Quiet Canyon Escape to Whitney Canyon Falls

• Location: Whitney Canyon Park, Santa Clarita, CA
• Popularity: Very busy area; popular for hiking and mountain biking
• Need To Know: Arrive early to avoid the crowds

When you want to see a truly beautiful waterfall and don't mind hitting the trail to do so, the moderately challenging hike to Santa Clarita’s Whitney Canyon Falls in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest is just the ticket. You'll experience a variety of landscapes and may even see some wildlife. 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!

12. A Scenic Trek to Trail Canyon Falls

• Location: Angeles National Forest, Sunland-Tujunga, CA
• Popularity: Can be busy at peak times, but not usually crowded
• Need To Know: A USFS Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful 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 4-mile round-trip 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 in winter and early spring, but it is a beautiful place to explore at any time of year.

13. Classic San Gabriel Beauty: Sturtevant Falls

• Location: Angeles National Forest, Sunland-Tujunga, CA
• Popularity: Very popular and often crowded, especially on weekends
• Need To Know:

Another enchanting waterfall just outside Los Angeles is Sturtevant Falls. You will almost definitely have to share the area with other visitors, and you 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 year-round, so it's always worth the effort (and the crowds usually on the trail).

So now, all that's left is to decide which magnificent waterfall you will visit first! Be sure to check trail conditions on AllTrails Plus before you go, as recent fires have affected accessibility to many of our popular SoCal waterfalls. How many of these beautiful places have you explored? We would love to hear about your favorite. 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 and don't forget to use the Only In Your State itinerary planner to map out your Southern California waterfall adventure and discover even more scenic stops along the way.