Waterfall Hikes Near San Rafael, CA

60,891 residents

Los Angeles Time Zone

11 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Looking for the best waterfalls to hike near San Rafael? There are 11 waterfall hiking trails within a 50-mile radius of San Rafael. 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 37.9905°N, -122.5221°W

Map of Waterfalls Near San Rafael

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

11 of 11 gauged

2 of 11 waterfalls near San Rafael are flowing strongly today

Alamere Falls Barely Flowing Butano Falls Barely Flowing Cataract Falls Barely Flowing Dawn Falls Barely Flowing Green Valley Falls Strong Huntington Falls Moderate Kent Falls Moderate Rainbow Falls Moderate Linda Falls Barely Flowing Tehan Falls Strong

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Thursday

Mostly Sunny · 79°F

Aft 84°F Sunny

Sat 85°F Sunny

Sun 92°F Sunny

Mon 82°F Sunny

Tue 81°F Sunny

Wed 81°F Mostly Sunny

Thu 79°F Mostly Sunny Best

Flowing best right now near San Rafael

Updated about 1 hour ago

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

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near San Rafael (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.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around San Rafael (6 waterfalls)

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

Dawn Falls

21.8 miles away

California

Moderate

2.7 miles 400 ft

Cataract Falls

25.3 miles away

California

Moderate

2.6 miles 750 ft

Rainbow Falls

45 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Huntington Falls

45 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

All 11 Waterfalls Near San Rafael

Dawn Falls

21.8 miles away

California

Moderate

2.7 miles 400 ft

Kent Falls

25.1 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Cataract Falls

25.3 miles away

California

Moderate

2.6 miles 750 ft

Rainbow Falls

45 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Alamere Falls

30.4 miles away

California

Hard

13.0 miles 1,600 ft

Huntington Falls

45 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Haraszthy Falls

29.2 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Green Valley Falls

8.9 miles away

California

Easy

1.5 miles 100 ft

Linda Falls

22.5 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Tehan Falls

23.3 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Butano Falls

5.8 miles away

California

Moderate

4.5 miles 500 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near San Rafael

Are there free waterfalls near San Rafael?

There are 6 free waterfalls near San Rafael, including Alamere Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near San Rafael?

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

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in San Rafael?

There are 6 dog-friendly waterfalls near San Rafael, including Cataract Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near San Rafael?

There are 7 kid-friendly waterfalls near San Rafael, including Butano Falls.

Can you swim in any waterfalls near San Rafael?

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

What is the shortest waterfall hike near San Rafael?

The shortest waterfall hike near San Rafael is Alamere Falls at 1.5 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near San Rafael?

The tallest waterfall near San Rafael is Alamere Falls at 40 feet.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around San Rafael?

Yes, 9 waterfalls near San Rafael have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to San Rafael?

The closest waterfall to San Rafael is Dawn Falls, approximately 4.2 miles away.

🏙️ Other Cities Near San Rafael With Waterfalls

Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, CA

Nearby Hot Springs

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Unnamed Spring Sonoma County 1

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This 73-degree spring in Sonoma County wine country, with recent USGS measurements of 32°C, flows at just 340 feet elevation wi...

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

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Where to Stay

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