Green Valley Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Green Valley Falls
Green Valley Falls is a picturesque California waterfall of cascading tiers and tucked pools, offering a rewarding short outing for hikers and nature lovers. The site sits on city-owned land within the Vallejo Lakes land unit (designation LOTH) and is managed by the City, which helps preserve its intimate, community-park character. The hike to the falls is short and approachable: a 1.5-mile out-and-back route with roughly 100 feet of elevation gain that makes this a great option for families and casual hikers. The trail follows a well-defined path through shaded oak and pine, opening onto the cascades and pool areas; there is no campground within 10 km, with the nearest day-use area (Oak Shores Day Use Area, CA) about 31.84 km away, so plan overnight stays accordingly.
The Setting
Green Valley Falls sits at 459 feet within Vallejo Lakes, in the coastal lowlands of California.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
This is an easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail with approximately 100 feet of cumulative elevation gain. The route is a well-maintained, mostly level footpath that passes through oak- and pine-dominated woodlands and requires no technical scrambling—suitable for most hikers and families. No USFS trail number or surface/grade data is provided; expect a natural dirt trail with modest grade changes and clear signage to the falls.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Green Valley Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Green Valley Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Green Valley Falls is in the spring or early summer when the water flow is strongest. Fall can also be a pleasant time to visit due to cooler temperatures.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make trails hazardous. Watch for wildlife, including snakes.
Current Water Conditions
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 66 years of record
2.01 ft
Water depth at gauge
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NAPA R NR NAPA CA (15 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Green Valley 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 257 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 442 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 263 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 164 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 442 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 257 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Green Valley Falls is located within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, approximately 50 miles east of San Diego. The falls can be accessed via the Green Valley Campground, which is off State Route 79.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Green Valley Campground. A day-use fee may be required for parking.
Elevation
459 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.276859° N, -122.180526° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking, as the area can get crowded. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may have uneven sections. Check water levels before visiting, as the falls may dry up during late summer or fall.
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This easy 1.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
La Quinta by Wyndham Fairfield - Napa Valley
Cedar Gables Inn
RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort
Hampton Inn & Suites - Napa, CA
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.
Nearby Campground
OAK SHORES DAY USE AREA (CA)
19.8 miles away · 6 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park include Stonewall Peak, Cuyamaca Peak, and Paso Picacho Campground.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of rattlesnakes, especially during warmer months.
Cities near Green Valley Falls
Other waterfalls named Green Valley Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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