Waterfall Hikes Near San Jose, CA

1,771,413 residents
Los Angeles Time Zone
15 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

San Jose sits on the floor of the Santa Clara Valley where the urban plain gives way to the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range, producing a mix of rolling foothills, redwood canyons, steep ravines and sun‑exposed ridgelines. Nearby waterfall hikes are predominantly moderate and feature shaded, often second‑growth forest trails, short canyon scrambles and seasonal roadside cascades; the area is distinct for its close juxtaposition of coastal forest canyons and accessible ridge viewpoints.

Located at 37.3012°N, -121.8480°W

Map of Waterfalls Near San Jose

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

15 of 15 gauged

15 waterfalls near San Jose have live flow data today

Berry Creek Falls Barely Flowing Butano Falls Barely Flowing Golden Falls Barely Flowing Silver Falls Barely Flowing Castle Rock Falls Low Finnegan Falls Moderate Huntington Falls Barely Flowing Rainbow Falls Barely Flowing Tehan Falls Moderate

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Thursday

Sunny · 79°F

Tod 83°F Sunny
Thu 79°F Sunny Best
Jun 76°F Mostly Sunny
Sat 80°F Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
Sun 82°F Patchy Fog then Sunny
Mon 83°F Sunny
Tue 86°F Sunny

Flowing best right now near San Jose

Updated about 2 hours ago

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

  1. 1 Finnegan Falls Moderate · 1450 cfs 41st percentile
  2. 2 Tehan Falls Moderate · 5 cfs 39th percentile
  3. 3 Castle Rock Falls Low · 1 cfs 15th percentile
  4. 4 Butano Falls Barely Flowing · 11 cfs 4th percentile
  5. 5 Golden Falls Barely Flowing · 11 cfs 4th percentile
  6. 6 Silver Falls Barely Flowing · 11 cfs 4th percentile

Know when to go.

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

Find waterfalls to hike near San Jose

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near San Jose (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.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around San Jose (5 waterfalls)

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

Maple Falls waterfall

Maple Falls

49.6 miles away
California
Moderate
7.5 miles 800 ft

All 15 Waterfalls Near San Jose

Basin Falls waterfall

Basin Falls

California
Moderate
2.0 miles 300 ft
Black Rock Falls waterfall

Black Rock Falls

California
Moderate
2.0 miles 300 ft
Upper Falls waterfall

Upper Falls

44.5 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Fiver Finger Falls

48.5 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Triple Falls waterfall

Triple Falls

44.2 miles away
California
Moderate
3.0 miles 500 ft
Maple Falls waterfall

Maple Falls

49.6 miles away
California
Moderate
7.5 miles 800 ft
Castle Rock Falls waterfall

Castle Rock Falls

37.2 miles away
California
Easy
1.2 miles 200 ft

Tehan Falls

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

Butano Falls

California
Moderate
4.5 miles 500 ft
Silver Falls waterfall

Silver Falls

46.6 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft
Golden Falls waterfall

Golden Falls

46.6 miles away
California
Moderate
2.5 miles 400 ft
Berry Creek Falls waterfall

Berry Creek Falls

California
Hard
10.5 miles 2 ft

Finnegan Falls

18.6 miles away
California
Moderate
3.0 miles 500 ft
Huntington Falls waterfall CC

Huntington Falls

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

Rainbow Falls

39.7 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near San Jose

Are there free waterfalls near San Jose?

There are 4 free waterfalls near San Jose, including Golden Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near San Jose?

There are 2 easy waterfall hikes near San Jose, including Castle Rock Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in San Jose?

There are 5 dog-friendly waterfalls near San Jose, including Golden Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near San Jose?

There are 8 kid-friendly waterfalls near San Jose, including Berry Creek Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near San Jose?

The shortest waterfall hike near San Jose is Basin Falls at 1.2 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near San Jose?

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

Do any waterfalls near San Jose require permits?

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

Can I camp near the waterfalls around San Jose?

Yes, 2 waterfalls near San Jose have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to San Jose?

The closest waterfall to San Jose is Basin Falls, approximately 12.6 miles away.

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Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near San Jose, California

Mineral Springs

Mineral Springs

7.0 mi 84°F

Mineral Springs flows at 84°F near East Foothills in the Santa Clara Valley foothills, creating a modest 25-degree temperature ...
Alameda Warm Springs

Alameda Warm Springs

12.2 mi 80°F

Alameda Warm Springs flows at 80°F (27°C) in Mission Peak Regional Preserve near Milpitas, a modest thermal seep just 20 degree...
Crohare Spring

Crohare Spring

19.8 mi 70°F

Crohare Spring emerges at 70°F from protected conservation lands near Livermore, flowing barely 9 degrees above ambient tempera...

Gilroy Hot Springs

25.1 mi 106°F

Gilroy Hot Springs flows at 106 degrees Fahrenheit within Henry W. Coe State Park, a California Historical Landmark and Nationa...

Salt Grass Springs

29.2 mi 73°F

Salt Grass Springs emerges at 73°F in the rolling foothills of Stanislaus County near Patterson, providing modest thermal warmt...

Sargent Estate Warm Spring

29.7 mi 77°F

Sargent Estate Warm Spring flows at 77°F in the hills east of Gilroy in the Diablo Range. The modest 19-degree temperature rise...

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

Explore California springs

Where to Stay

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