Waterfall Hikes Near San Marcos, CA

94,360 residents
Los Angeles Time Zone
7 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Looking for the best waterfalls to hike near San Marcos? There are 7 waterfall hiking trails within a 50-mile radius of 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 33.1350°N, -117.1743°W

Map of Waterfalls Near San Marcos

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

7 of 7 gauged

7 waterfalls near San Marcos have live flow data today

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

This Afternoon

Mostly Sunny · 70°F

Aft 70°F Mostly Sunny Best
Mon 71°F Mostly Sunny
Tue 73°F Mostly Sunny
Wed 72°F Mostly Sunny
Thu 73°F Mostly Sunny
Fri 75°F Partly Sunny
Ind 76°F Partly Sunny

Flowing best right now near San Marcos

Updated about 3 hours ago

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

  1. 1 Hidden Heart Falls Barely Flowing · 0 cfs 1st percentile
  2. 2 Washtub Falls Barely Flowing · 0 cfs 0th percentile

Know when to go.

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

Find waterfalls to hike near San Marcos

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near 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.

30 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft

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

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

42.9 miles away
California
Moderate
1.5 miles 300 ft
43.5 miles away
California
Hard
6.6 miles 1,000 ft

All 7 Waterfalls Near San Marcos

32.1 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
42.9 miles away
California
Moderate
1.5 miles 300 ft
43.5 miles away
California
Hard
6.6 miles 1,000 ft
34.8 miles away
California
Moderate
6.0 miles 900 ft
30 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft
34.1 miles away
California
Moderate
2.0 miles 300 ft
39.7 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near San Marcos

Are there easy waterfall hikes near San Marcos?

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

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in San Marcos?

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

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near San Marcos?

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

Can you swim in any waterfalls near San Marcos?

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

What is the shortest waterfall hike near San Marcos?

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

How tall are the waterfalls near San Marcos?

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

Do any waterfalls near San Marcos require permits?

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

Can I camp near the waterfalls around San Marcos?

Yes, 7 waterfalls near San Marcos have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to San Marcos?

The closest waterfall to San Marcos is Washtub Falls, approximately 18.2 miles away.