5 Gorgeous Northern California Waterfalls With No Hiking Required
Ever Google “waterfalls near me in northern California?” If so, you were probably overwhelmed. There are so many beautiful 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. This area has some beautiful trails!
2. Hedge Creek Falls: 4131 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA, 96025
Hedge Creek Falls, 4131 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA 96025, USA
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. It was once a hideout for stagecoach robbers.
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 hike if you want to get a closer look.
4. Burney Falls at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park: 24898 CA-89, Burney, CA, 96013
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.
Address: Shasta National Forest, California 96017, USA
Address: Hedge Creek Falls, 4131 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA 96025, USA
Address: Burney Falls, California 96013, USA
Address: 1580 Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
Address: Bridal Veil Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
Address: Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Address: Horsetail Falls, California 95735, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me In Northern California
March 03, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some more of the best waterfalls in northern California?
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 Bridalveil Fall, 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 some of the best parks in northern California if I’m looking to see waterfalls?
Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com.
