Are there fees or permits required for Huntington Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Huntington Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Huntington Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Huntington Falls.

Live Conditions · 0 ft³/s · About average

Huntington Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Huntington Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Huntington Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Huntington Falls, see below

Golden Gate Park LP · CITY

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Loop

About Huntington Falls

Huntington Falls is a man-made waterfall located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. It flows down Strawberry Hill into Stow Lake, creating a picturesque and serene setting within the park. The waterfall is part of a landscaped area designed to enhance the park's natural beauty.

The Setting

Huntington Falls sits at 344 feet within Golden Gate Park, in the coastal lowlands of California.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Huntington Falls is a short and easy walk around Stow Lake. Visitors can follow the loop trail around the lake and take a short incline up Strawberry Hill to view the waterfall. The path is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors.

What to Expect

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 Huntington Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Huntington Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Huntington Falls can be visited year-round, but it is particularly beautiful in the spring when the surrounding vegetation is lush and vibrant.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall. Be cautious of slippery surfaces, especially after rain.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

0 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 11 years of record

0.93 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

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.

REDWOOD C A HWY 1 BRIDGE A MUIR BEACH CA

USGS 11460151

8.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 7 sq mi

Altitude: 15 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge REDWOOD C A HWY 1 BRIDGE A MUIR BEACH CA (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

0 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Moderate

0 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

0 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

0 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

0 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

0 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

0 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

0 cfs

8/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid December to late January, peaking in January.

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 San Francisco 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 130 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 340 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 73 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 60 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Huntington Falls near San Francisco, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Huntington Falls near San Francisco, California, showing about 130 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 340 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 130 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Huntington Falls is located in Golden Gate Park, near Stow Lake. Visitors can access the area by entering the park from major roads such as John F. Kennedy Drive or Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The waterfall is situated on Strawberry Hill, which is accessible via walking paths around Stow Lake.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near Stow Lake, with both free and paid options. However, parking can be limited during weekends and peak hours.

Elevation

344 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.768541° N, -122.474138° W

Land Management

Golden Gate Park LP

Managed by CITY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery. Consider renting a paddleboat on Stow Lake for a unique perspective of the waterfall.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Rob Hill Group Campground

2 miles away · 4 sites

Reservable

Overview As San Francisco's only group campground, Rob Hill offers a national park camping experience just minutes from the city. Here you will have access to all of the recreational opportunities the Presidio of San Francisco has to offer, including hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and so much more. The campground's spacious campsites make it a perfect choice for groups of all kinds, including multi-family gatherings, school field trips, and scout

Book on Recreation.gov