Butano Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Butano Falls
Butano Falls is a picturesque waterfall located within Butano State Park in California. It is surrounded by lush redwood forests and offers a serene and tranquil setting for visitors. The waterfall is a highlight of the park's hiking trails and is best visited after seasonal rains when water flow is at its peak.
The Setting
Butano Falls sits at 404 feet within Butano Falls, in the coastal lowlands of California.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Berry Creek Falls (65 ft) lies 5.8 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Butano Falls is a moderately challenging hike through dense redwood forests. The path includes some elevation gain and may be muddy or slippery after rain. Hikers will pass through serene woodland areas before reaching the waterfall.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through towering redwoods, with the reward of a beautiful waterfall at the end. The trail is well-marked but may require careful footing in some sections. The waterfall is most impressive during the rainy season.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Butano Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Butano Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Butano Falls is in the winter or early spring, after seasonal rains, when the waterfall is flowing at its fullest.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring and Winter.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery and muddy after rain, so use caution. Poison oak is present in the area, so stay on the trail and avoid contact with vegetation. Cell phone reception is limited in the park.
Current Water Conditions
6 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 75 years of record
1.82 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PESCADERO C NR PESCADERO CA (2 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to mid April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Loma Mar hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 308 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 393 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 142 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 167 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 393 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 308 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Butano State Park is located off Cloverdale Road in San Mateo County, California. The park is accessible by car, and visitors can follow signs to the main parking area near the trailheads.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at Butano State Park for a fee. The parking lot is located near the main entrance and provides access to the park's trails.
Elevation
404 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.242166° N, -122.318027° W
Land Management
Managed by NGO
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially during the rainy season, as the trail can be muddy. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 4.5 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
Where to Stay
Costanoa
Half Moon Bay Lodge
The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains
Fern River Resort
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Pescadero State Beach, Año Nuevo State Park, and the charming town of Pescadero.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, banana slugs, and numerous bird species. Visitors may also spot newts and other small creatures along the trail.
Cities near Butano Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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