Are there fees or permits required for Wolfskill Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Wolfskill Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wolfskill Falls.

Live Conditions · 5 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Wolfskill Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wolfskill Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Wolfskill Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Angeles National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (1)

Brück & Sohn Kunstverlag Meißen CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Wolfskill Falls

Tucked into the Angeles National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Wolfskill Falls is a quiet, lesser-known cascade that offers a peaceful retreat amid riparian vegetation and canyon scenery. Its modest size and secluded setting make it a rewarding short outing for hikers who want a scenic destination without the crowds. The approach is a moderate, 2.0-mile out-and-back that climbs roughly 300 feet, so it’s well suited to anyone comfortable with moderate terrain and a short hike. Because the falls and access trail lie on USFS land, conditions and access can change seasonally—check with the Angeles National Forest for current trail status before you go.

The Setting

Wolfskill Falls sits at 2,028 feet within Angeles National Forest, in the hills of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

San Antonio Falls (75 ft) lies 9.3 miles to the northeast.

San Antonio Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Distance: 2.0 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 300 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. Land unit/manager: Angeles National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. USFS trail surface, grade, and technical class are not specified in the available USFS data; hikers should expect a moderate, short canyon route and consult the Forest Service for the latest trail conditions and any advisories.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike with beautiful natural surroundings, including native plants and occasional wildlife sightings. The waterfall itself is a tranquil spot, ideal for relaxation and photography.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wolfskill Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wolfskill Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring is the best time to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow due to seasonal rains. Summer and fall may also be good, but water levels could be lower.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Angeles National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail may have loose rocks and narrow sections, so proper footwear and caution are essential. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make the trail slippery.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

5 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

16.49 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

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

CUCAMONGA C NR UPLAND CA

USGS 11073470

6.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 10 sq mi

Altitude: 2,356 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CUCAMONGA C NR UPLAND CA (11 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

5 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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

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 La Verne 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 415 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,044 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 240 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 94 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Wolfskill Falls near La Verne, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wolfskill Falls near La Verne, California, showing about 415 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 2,044 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 415 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Wolfskill Falls is located in the Wolfskill Canyon area of California. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead near the canyon, but specific directions may vary depending on the starting point.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is uncertain, but visitors may find parking near the trailhead. It is recommended to arrive early, especially during weekends or peak seasons.

Elevation

2,028 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.175840° N, -117.749502° W

Land Management

Angeles National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Check trail conditions before visiting, as the area may be affected by seasonal weather or maintenance.

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With 2.0 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

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

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

7 miles away · 0 sites

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Office is located at 110 N. Wabash Ave., Glendora, CA 91741(626) 335-1251, Ext. 221CRS (800) 735-2922 (Voice) CRS (800) 735-2929 (TDD/TTY)FAX (626) 914-3790

Book on Recreation.gov