25 California Waterfalls You Need to Explore This Spring
The winter California has needed for so long finally arrived this year. You can practically feel mother nature's sigh of relief as the rain and snow continue to pummel the state. Besides revitalizing California's snowpack, rivers, and lakes, the seemingly never-ending precipitation also results in an epic surge of power throughout the state's waterfalls. If you visited Yosemite a few years ago, you would have been pretty disappointed by some the falls' lackluster. But as the snow melts and the rivers rage this spring, all of California's waterfalls will be absolutely roaring. To be sure you don't miss out, check out our list of some of our favorite waterfalls throughout California and start making plans for spring adventures.
1. Hike to Burney Falls
Photo: Lisa Bao
2. Hike to Phantom Falls
Photo: Xavier Salgado
3. Hike to Mossbrae Falls
Photo: Mark Handy
4. Hike to Alamere Falls
Photo: Jake Young
5. Take in Iconic McWay Falls
Photo: Stephen Bellrichard
Note: Highway 1 is currently closed near Big Sur due to mudslides. Check the California Department of Transportation website for updates.
6. Hike to Middle McCloud Falls
Photo: Lisa Bao
7. Hike to Upper Yosemite Falls
Photo: Tiffany Nguyen
8. Hike to Lower Yosemite Falls
Photo: Beth Young
9. Hike to Nevada Falls
Photo: Kristina Zhylenkova
10. Hike to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls
Photo: Aaron Bird
11. Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
Photo: Brynn Schmidt
12. Hike to Illilouette Falls
Photo: Sarah Giek
13. Hike to Mist Falls
Photo: Matt Purciel
14. Hike to Waterwheel Falls
Photo: Alex Souza
15. Hike to the top of the Chilnualna Falls
Photo: Josh Currie
16. Hike to Grizzly Lake
Photo: TJ Orton
17. Cliff Jump at Hatchet Falls
Photo: Shawn Ford
18. Explore Deer Creek Falls
Photo: Jake Young
19. Hike and Camp along the Palisades Creek Trail
Photo: Joey Washburn
20. Hike to Fairy Falls (Shingle Falls)
Photo: Annalise Del Rio
21. Hike to Frazier Falls
Photo: Ben Bardet
22. Hike to Bassi Falls
Photo: Beth Young
23. Hike to Nisene Marks’ Maple Falls
Photo: Joshua Scruggs
24. Backpack to Glen Aulin
Photo: Alex Souza
25. Hike to Darwin Falls
Photo: Korey Taylor
Bonus: Hike to the North Fork Dam of Lake Clementine
Photo: Clayton Herrmann
Since it's a manmade "waterfall," this makes the list as a bonus. Regardless of how it got there, it's worth a visit!
Cover photo: Lisa Bao
