5 Gorgeous Northern California Waterfalls With No Hiking Required
Discover six easily accessible waterfalls in northern California that require little to no hiking.
Ever Google "waterfalls with no hiking in northern California?" If so, you were probably overwhelmed. There are so many easy-access waterfalls in northern California. Some of them don't even require you to leave your car, or the paved parking area, to fully enjoy their beauty. If you're not up for long hiking trails with waterfalls in northern California and would prefer something a little more accessible, you'll want to add these waterfalls to your bucket list today.
1. Kickapoo Falls at Trinity Center in Shasta Natural Forest: Big Bar, CA, 96010
This stunning 55-foot waterfall is a sight to behold after a recent rain, when it's flowing strong. It is pretty seasonal and in the lighter months, is barely a trickle, so you'll want to plan your visit carefully. The fall flows over a rough rock face, scattering the water in all directions. Shasta Natural Forest has some beautiful trails!
2. Hedge Creek Falls: 4131 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA, 96025
If you're up to the task, there's a neat little cave behind this cascade. You're able to walk into it and gain a whole new perspective on this beautiful waterfall. Plus, Hedge Creek Falls was once a hideout for stagecoach robbers!
3. Horsetail Falls: South Lake Tahoe, CA
As you drive west on Highway 50, towards Placerville leaving Lake Placid, keep your eye on the peaks as you descend Meyer's Grade. Just before the little town of Strawberry, you'll catch a glimpse of this cascade of white water. It flows over the granite rock of Desolation Wilderness and measures about 500 feet in height. There's even a nearby hiking trail if you want to get a closer look .
4. Burney Falls at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park: 24898 CA-89, Burney, CA, 96013
You can enjoy amazing views of Burney Falls without even having to leave your car. It's visible from a parking lot at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. This is one of the most underrated state parks in northern California.
5. Glen Alpine Falls: 1580 Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
This 65-foot tall waterfall in south Lake Tahoe is located right off the road. It's so easy to view, with no hiking required. Glen Alpine Falls is a stunning area, no matter what time of year you visit.
6. Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CA, 95389
Pull off to the side of the highway and you can take in these beautiful falls. They're some of the most impressive waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, which is saying something since it's one of the most stunning places in northern California. Bridalveil Fall is most impressive in the springtime; sometimes, in the fall, they're barely a trickle.
These six amazing waterfalls are so accessible that everyone can enjoy them. But there are plenty of great waterfall hikes in northern California, however. What's the best one you've ever seen? We love hearing about hiking trails with waterfalls in northern California.
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