Waterfall Hikes Near Lake San Marcos, CA

4,080 residents
Los_Angeles Time Zone
7 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Looking for the best waterfalls to hike near Lake San Marcos? There are 7 waterfall hiking trails within a 50-mile radius of Lake San Marcos. These trails range from easy to moderate difficulty, providing options for both casual hikers and experienced adventurers looking to explore the region's natural beauty.

Located at 33.1197°N, -117.2090°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Lake San Marcos

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

7 of 7 gauged

1 of 7 waterfalls near Lake San Marcos is flowing strongly today

Cedar Creek Falls Moderate Green Valley Falls Moderate Mildred Falls Moderate The Falls Moderate Hidden Heart Falls Roaring Washtub Falls Barely Flowing

Updated about 3 hours ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Thursday

Mostly Sunny · 71°F

Tod 71°F Patchy Drizzle then Mostly Sunny
Thu 71°F Mostly Sunny Best
Fri 72°F Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
Sat 72°F Mostly Sunny
Sun 71°F Mostly Sunny
Mon 75°F Mostly Sunny
Tue 80°F Sunny

Know when to go.

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Find waterfalls to hike near Lake San Marcos

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Lake San Marcos (1 waterfall)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

Green Valley Falls waterfall

Green Valley Falls

46.5 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Lake San Marcos (3 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Mildred Falls waterfall

Mildred Falls

1.9 miles away
California
Moderate
1.5 miles 300 ft
Cedar Creek Falls waterfall

Cedar Creek Falls

35.9 miles away
California
Hard
6.6 miles 1,000 ft

All 7 Waterfalls Near Lake San Marcos

Washtub Falls

24.6 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Mildred Falls waterfall

Mildred Falls

1.9 miles away
California
Moderate
1.5 miles 300 ft
Cedar Creek Falls waterfall

Cedar Creek Falls

35.9 miles away
California
Hard
6.6 miles 1,000 ft
Green Valley Falls waterfall

Green Valley Falls

46.5 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft
Maidenhair Falls waterfall

Maidenhair Falls

37.3 miles away
California
Moderate
6.0 miles 900 ft
The Falls waterfall

The Falls

10.1 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Hidden Heart Falls waterfall

Hidden Heart Falls

47.1 miles away
California
Moderate
2.0 miles 300 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Lake San Marcos

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Lake San Marcos?

There is 1 easy waterfall hike near Lake San Marcos, including Green Valley Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Lake San Marcos?

There are 3 dog-friendly waterfalls near Lake San Marcos, including Cedar Creek Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Lake San Marcos?

There are 3 kid-friendly waterfalls near Lake San Marcos, including Green Valley Falls.

Can you swim in any waterfalls near Lake San Marcos?

There are 2 waterfalls that allow swimming near Lake San Marcos, including Cedar Creek Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Lake San Marcos?

The shortest waterfall hike near Lake San Marcos is Cedar Creek Falls at 1.5 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Lake San Marcos?

The tallest waterfall near Lake San Marcos is Cedar Creek Falls at 80 feet.

Do any waterfalls near Lake San Marcos require permits?

Yes, 1 waterfall near Lake San Marcos requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Lake San Marcos?

Yes, 7 waterfalls near Lake San Marcos have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Lake San Marcos?

The closest waterfall to Lake San Marcos is Washtub Falls, approximately 20.4 miles away.

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Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near Lake San Marcos, California

Agua Tibia Spring

20.0 mi 92°F

Agua Tibia Spring emerges at 92°F (33°C) near Rainbow in San Diego's foothills, where the name aptly means warm water in Spanis...

De Luz Warm Springs

20.3 mi 85°F

De Luz Warm Springs emerges at 85°F from the rolling hills of northern San Diego County near Fallbrook, where water surfaces ju...
Temecula Hot Springs

Temecula Hot Springs

22.8 mi 116°F

Temecula Hot Springs emerges at 116°F in Riverside County's warm inland valleys, with remarkably alkaline chemistry (pH 9.1) re...
Murrietta Hot Springs

Murrietta Hot Springs

23.7 mi 132°F

Murrietta Hot Springs flows at a dramatic 132°F (56°C) in Riverside County—68 degrees above ambient air temperature—with high s...
Wrenden Hot Sprs, Elsinore Hot Sprs

Wrenden Hot Sprs, Elsinore Hot Sprs

31.8 mi 125°F

Wrenden Hot Springs flows at 125 degrees Fahrenheit virtually roadside in Riverside County, making it one of Southern Californi...
Warner Hot Spring

Warner Hot Spring

32.5 mi 138°F

Warner Hot Springs reaches 138°F in the mountains northeast of San Diego, among California's hottest documented springs. Sittin...

Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Lake San Marcos, California on SoakingSprings.

Explore California springs

Where to Stay

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Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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