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
Shasta National Forest, California 96017, USA
Flickr/ bleggg
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
Hedge Creek Falls, 4131 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA 96025, USA
Wikipedia/ Rawbff15
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
Horsetail Falls, California 95735, USA
Phreakdigital/Wikimedia Commons
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
Burney Falls, California 96013, USA
Flickr/ Don Graham
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
1580 Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
Flickr/ m01229
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
Bridal Veil Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
TripAdvisor/ hiking-har
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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Waterfalls Near Me In Northern California

Lisa Sammons | March 03, 2022

What are the best waterfalls in northern California?

The Best waterfalls in northern California are:

  • Yosemite Falls
  • Bridal Veil Falls

 

It doesn't get much better than Yosemite Falls. This 2,145-foot monstrosity towers over not only every other waterfall in northern California, but most waterfalls in the country. Another beautiful waterfall at Yosemite National Park is Bridal Veil Falls, which can actually be seen right from the road! If you're looking for other easy-access waterfalls in northern California, check out this list. They don't require a hike and many can even be seen right from your car, so they're perfect for those with mobility issues or not much time.

What are the best parks in northern California with waterfalls?

The best parks in northern California with waterfalls are:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

 

Honestly, it doesn't get much better than Yosemite National Park. There's a reason it's considered one of the best national parks in the country. No matter what kind of landscape you enjoy, you can find it here, and that is certainly true for waterfalls. There are so many beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite!

What are the best hikes in northern California?

The best hikes in northern California are:

  • Stout Grove
  • Boy Scout Tree Trail
  • Montgomery Grove Trail
  • Tall Trees Grove

 

If you're looking for an easy jaunt to take this weekend, consider this baker's dozen of short and scenic hikes in northern California. They won't take all day, but they're plenty scenic, and some of them even include waterfalls!

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