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 · 2 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Huntington Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Huntington Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Huntington Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

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

Golden Gate Park LP · CITY

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

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 3 hours ago Roaring

2 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 0 1 2

Based on 11 years of record

1.06 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual 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

Roaring right now

2 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

2 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

2 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

2 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

2 cfs

9/10

Sat

Roaring

2 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

2 cfs

8/10

Mon

Roaring

2 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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

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.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 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.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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.

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