Waterfall Hikes Near Palo Alto, CA

67,901 residents
Los Angeles Time Zone
17 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Looking for the best waterfalls to hike near Palo Alto? There are 17 waterfall hiking trails within a 50-mile radius of Palo Alto. 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 37.3905°N, -122.1468°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Palo Alto

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Best Day to Hike

Friday

Mostly Sunny · 80°F

Tue 82°F Sunny
Wed 78°F Sunny
Thu 76°F Mostly Sunny
Fri 80°F Mostly Sunny Best
Ind 80°F Sunny
Sun 78°F Mostly Sunny
Mon 77°F Mostly Sunny

Flowing best right now near Palo Alto

Updated about 2 hours ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Castle Rock Falls Roaring · 2 cfs 100th percentile
  2. 2 Huntington Falls Roaring · 2 cfs 95th percentile
  3. 3 Kent Falls Roaring · 2 cfs 95th percentile
  4. 4 Rainbow Falls Roaring · 2 cfs 95th percentile
  5. 5 Butano Falls Moderate · 10 cfs 65th percentile
  6. 6 Golden Falls Moderate · 10 cfs 65th percentile

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Palo Alto hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Palo Alto

Have your own travel site? Embed these waterfalls for free.

🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Palo Alto (2 waterfalls)

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.

33.1 miles away
California
Easy
1.2 miles 200 ft
41.3 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Palo Alto (7 waterfalls)

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

41.3 miles away
California
Moderate
2.5 miles 400 ft

All 17 Waterfalls Near Palo Alto

33.1 miles away
California
Easy
1.2 miles 200 ft
21.3 miles away
California
Moderate
4.5 miles 500 ft
41.3 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft
41.3 miles away
California
Moderate
2.5 miles 400 ft
44.5 miles away
California
Hard
10.5 miles 2 ft
37.9 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
48.8 miles away
California
Moderate
7.5 miles 800 ft
32.9 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
34.5 miles away
California
Moderate
2.0 miles 300 ft
34.1 miles away
California
Moderate
2.0 miles 300 ft
31.9 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
31.5 miles away
California
Moderate
3.0 miles 500 ft
13.5 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
13.4 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
26.3 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
24.3 miles away
California
Moderate
2.7 miles 400 ft
22.2 miles away
California
Moderate
2.6 miles 750 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Palo Alto

Are there free waterfalls near Palo Alto?

There are 6 free waterfalls near Palo Alto, including Cataract Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Palo Alto?

There are 2 easy waterfall hikes near Palo Alto, including Castle Rock Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Palo Alto?

There are 7 dog-friendly waterfalls near Palo Alto, including Cataract Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Palo Alto?

There are 10 kid-friendly waterfalls near Palo Alto, including Berry Creek Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Palo Alto?

The shortest waterfall hike near Palo Alto is Basin Falls at 1.2 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Palo Alto?

The tallest waterfall near Palo Alto is Castle Rock Falls at 80 feet.

Do any waterfalls near Palo Alto require permits?

Yes, 1 waterfall near Palo Alto requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Palo Alto?

Yes, 5 waterfalls near Palo Alto have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Palo Alto?

The closest waterfall to Palo Alto is Castle Rock Falls, approximately 9.8 miles away.

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