Are there fees or permits required for The Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at The Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at The Falls.

Live Conditions · 0 ft³/s

The Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at The Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at The Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 20 other waterfalls also named The Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

slworking2 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

About The Falls

Tucked into a scenic pocket of California, The Falls is an accessible waterfall that makes for a rewarding half-day outing. The hike to the viewing area is a 2.4-mile out-and-back that climbs about 350 feet, presenting a steady but pleasant ascent that most moderately fit hikers can manage. Because the approach is relatively short, The Falls is a popular choice year-round for photographers and day hikers looking for a quick nature escape. If you want to extend your visit, the Corral Canyon Area campground lies just 2.47 km (about 1.5 miles) from the trailhead, making overnight stays convenient for early-morning or golden-hour waterfall views. Expect a moderate effort on the way in and out—pack water, layered clothing, and sturdy footwear—and check local trail reports before you go for the latest conditions.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail stats: 2.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The route is a short, straightforward out-and-back that gains elevation steadily but does not require technical scrambling. Note: specific USFS trail identifiers, surface type, grade, and trail class were not provided in the available data. Trail conditions can vary with weather and season, so consult local resources or park contacts for up-to-date information and wear supportive footwear and traction as needed.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a scenic waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. However, specific features such as flow intensity or surrounding terrain are not well-documented.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. Visitors with mobility concerns should check local resources for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at The Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at The Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring is typically the best time to visit waterfalls in California due to snowmelt, but The Falls may also be enjoyable in other seasons depending on rainfall.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Trail conditions and hazards are not well-documented. Visitors should exercise caution, wear appropriate footwear, and be prepared for uneven terrain or slippery surfaces near the waterfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago

0 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Based on 69 years of record

3.34 ft

Water depth at gauge

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

SWEETWATER R NR DESCANSO CA

USGS 11015000

8.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 45 sq mi

Altitude: 3,272 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SWEETWATER R NR DESCANSO CA (13 km away).

Moderate confidence

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late April, peaking in April.

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 Pine 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 156 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 3,157 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 127 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 72 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around The Falls near Pine Valley, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around The Falls near Pine Valley, California, showing about 156 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 3,157 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 156 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

The exact location and directions to The Falls are not clearly documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps