Waterfall Hikes Near San Francisco, CA

3,364,979 residents
Los_Angeles Time Zone
15 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

San Francisco occupies a compact coastal peninsula marked by steep urban hills, rocky coastal bluffs and shorelines, and nearby forested ridgelines and gorges across the bay and to the west. Within a short drive the waterfall hikes are dominated by moderate routes through old-growth coastal forest and fern-filled canyons, supplemented by a handful of short roadside cascades and a couple of strenuous canyon scrambles; fog-swept ocean vistas and easy city access make the terrain distinctive for hikers.

Located at 37.7558°N, -122.4449°W

Map of Waterfalls Near San Francisco

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

15 of 15 gauged

15 waterfalls near San Francisco have live flow data today

Alamere Falls Barely Flowing Berry Creek Falls Barely Flowing Butano Falls Barely Flowing Golden Falls Barely Flowing Silver Falls Barely Flowing Castle Rock Falls Barely Flowing Cataract Falls Barely Flowing Dawn Falls Barely Flowing Green Valley Falls Barely Flowing Huntington Falls Barely Flowing Kent Falls Barely Flowing Rainbow Falls Barely Flowing Linda Falls Barely Flowing Tehan Falls Barely Flowing

Updated 16 minutes ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Sunday

Mostly Sunny · 69°F

Sat 70°F Sunny
Sun 69°F Mostly Sunny Best
Mon 77°F Mostly Sunny
Tue 71°F Mostly Sunny
Wed 69°F Mostly Sunny
Thu 71°F Sunny
Fri 71°F Sunny

Find waterfalls to hike near San Francisco

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near San Francisco (3 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.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around San Francisco (8 waterfalls)

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

Huntington Falls waterfall CC

Huntington Falls

23.5 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Rainbow Falls waterfall

Rainbow Falls

15.4 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Dawn Falls waterfall

Dawn Falls

44.6 miles away
California
Moderate
2.7 miles 400 ft
Cataract Falls waterfall

Cataract Falls

14.4 miles away
California
Moderate
2.6 miles 750 ft

All 15 Waterfalls Near San Francisco

Huntington Falls waterfall CC

Huntington Falls

23.5 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Rainbow Falls waterfall

Rainbow Falls

15.4 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Kent Falls waterfall

Kent Falls

14.1 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Dawn Falls waterfall

Dawn Falls

44.6 miles away
California
Moderate
2.7 miles 400 ft
Cataract Falls waterfall

Cataract Falls

14.4 miles away
California
Moderate
2.6 miles 750 ft
Alamere Falls waterfall

Alamere Falls

California
Hard
13.0 miles 1,600 ft

Tehan Falls

21.2 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Haraszthy Falls waterfall CC

Haraszthy Falls

31.2 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Butano Falls waterfall

Butano Falls

44 miles away
California
Moderate
4.5 miles 500 ft
Golden Falls waterfall

Golden Falls

38.9 miles away
California
Moderate
2.5 miles 400 ft
Silver Falls waterfall

Silver Falls

38.8 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft
Berry Creek Falls waterfall

Berry Creek Falls

38.2 miles away
California
Hard
10.5 miles 2 ft
Green Valley Falls waterfall

Green Valley Falls

45.9 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 100 ft
Linda Falls waterfall

Linda Falls

35.3 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Castle Rock Falls waterfall

Castle Rock Falls

34.2 miles away
California
Easy
1.2 miles 200 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near San Francisco

Are there free waterfalls near San Francisco?

There are 8 free waterfalls near San Francisco, including Alamere Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near San Francisco?

There are 3 easy waterfall hikes near San Francisco, including Castle Rock Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in San Francisco?

There are 8 dog-friendly waterfalls near San Francisco, including Cataract Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near San Francisco?

There are 11 kid-friendly waterfalls near San Francisco, including Berry Creek Falls.

Can you swim in any waterfalls near San Francisco?

There is 1 waterfall that allows swimming near San Francisco, including Green Valley Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near San Francisco?

The shortest waterfall hike near San Francisco is Alamere Falls at 1.2 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near San Francisco?

The tallest waterfall near San Francisco is Castle Rock Falls at 80 feet.

Do any waterfalls near San Francisco require permits?

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

Can I camp near the waterfalls around San Francisco?

Yes, 9 waterfalls near San Francisco have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to San Francisco?

The closest waterfall to San Francisco is Huntington Falls, approximately 1.9 miles away.

Waterfall Hikes Near San Francisco, CA Pinterest Guide

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

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Where to Stay

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