5 Stunning Waterfalls In California — One Tent In California

California’s landscape has so much to offer with its beaches, deserts, mountains and forests. But another geographical feature that can be found all around here are waterfalls. Here’s our list of some amazing waterfalls to see in California!

1. Yosemite Falls & Bridalveil Falls

Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States and is made up of the upper fall, middle cascades and lower fall. Yosemite Falls is fed by melting snow so the best time to see the falls flowing is in spring and early summer. Another waterfall to see in the park is Bridalveil Falls. It is often the first waterfall to see when entering Yosemite National Park and typically flows year-round unlike Yosemite Falls.

Location: Yosemite National Park

2. Burney Falls

*The Burney Falls area will be closed for most of 2024 for repairs at the time of writing.

Burney Falls is often considered one of the best waterfalls in California! This stunning waterfall is located in Shasta County and flows year-round. There is a short 1.2 mile loop that you can take around the falls or simply stop at the viewpoint and benches to view the falls from above.

Location: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

3. McWay Falls

Located along the famous Big Sur coastline, McWay Falls is a waterfall that lands on the beach and flows into the Pacific Ocean! The impressive 80ft tall waterfall is a must-see spot on a Highway 1 road trip and flows year-round. This area is also known for its fog especially in the summer, so plan your trip accordingly. If you visit during high tide, it becomes a “tidefall” which is a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean.

Location: Big Sur

4. Fern Canyon

This magical trail along Northern California’s coastline takes you into a vertical walled canyon that is 50ft deep and surrounded by ferns and water falling into the stream that follows the trail. Fern Canyon features multiple small waterfalls on both sides of the canyon walls and is best to visit in the spring or early summer when the trail is a bit drier but there is still plenty of falls to see.

Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

5. Tahquitz Falls

Tahquitz Falls is an impressive 60ft waterfall hidden in the California desert. Located just outside of downtown Palm Springs, Tahquitz Canyon Loop trail is a short hike that takes you into the canyon where you can find the waterfall. Depending on the time of year, the water can be very cold and very deep at the base of the falls. The best time to visit is in the spring and early summer as the falls don’t usually flow year-round. There is an entry fee for this hike.