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7 Bay Area Waterfalls You Should Explore

Time to check these off of your bucket list!

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

If you live near the San Francisco Bay Area, you may have noticed just a little bit of rain recently. And by a little bit, we mean a whole lot. While rainy days aren't the most inspiring for lacing up your hiking boots, the good news is that all these rainy days mean when you do finally get out and explore the best waterfalls in the Bay Area, they will not let you down. Check out some of our favorite waterfalls near San Francisco. 

1. Hike to Nisene Marks’ Maple Falls


Photo: Joshua Scruggs

2. Hike to Alamere Falls


Photo: Jake Young

3. Hike the Berry Creek Falls Loop


Photo: Steven Herbert

4. 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.

5. Hike to Salmon Creek and Falls


Photo: Talia Touboul

6. Hike to Sempervirens Falls


Photo: Lucas Pols

7. Hike to Pfeiffer Falls


Photo: Brynn Schmidt

Cover photo: Stephen Bellrichard

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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