25 California Waterfalls You Need to Explore This Spring

A heavy winter of rain and snow means an epic spring of waterfall adventures.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

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

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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