8 Secret Waterfalls in California Worth the Trek

California’s waterfalls are often associated with crowded national parks, but many of the most rewarding ones are tucked away on quieter trails. Some spill directly into the ocean, others hide in narrow canyons, and a few require all-day hikes to reach.

These lesser-known spots offer a chance to experience the state’s wild landscapes without the lines at Yosemite’s most famous falls.

1. Alamere Falls (Point Reyes National Seashore)

Tidal magic sets Alamere Falls apart, where freshwater plunges straight onto Wildcat Beach. The 8.4-mile hike weaves through Point Reyes’ chaparral and coastal scrub, offering ocean views and potential wildlife sightings. In late spring, vibrant wildflowers color the bluffs, giving the journey a seasonal highlight.

The final approach requires careful footing along eroded cliffs, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Unlike many waterfalls nestled deep in forests, Alamere’s unique position as a tidefall places it among a handful of such falls in the country. Plan your visit during low tide for the safest access to the base and a more tranquil shoreline experience.

Due to popularity, parking can fill quickly on weekends, but arriving early or on weekdays usually ensures a quieter start. Always check trail conditions before heading out, as seasonal closures can occur after heavy rain.

2. McCloud Falls (Shasta-Trinity National Forest)

Three distinct personalities flow through the McCloud River’s famous falls. The Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls each have their own viewing areas, with the Middle Falls spreading impressively nearly 100 feet wide. The 3.8-mile round-trip trail links all three, making it ideal for those who appreciate variety and a sense of progression.

Middle Falls often draws photographers, while the Lower Falls’ natural pool becomes a swimming favorite in summer. Pine forests and basalt rock give the landscape a rugged, Northern California feel. The area remains less trafficked than some regional hotspots, yet it is accessible for families and experienced hikers alike.

Fishing is permitted along the river, adding another draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Interpretive signs along the trail provide context about local geology and the area’s logging history, making the hike educational as well as scenic.

3. Feather Falls (Plumas National Forest)

Feather Falls has long inspired both awe and local lore, boasting a height of more than 400 feet. The trail leading to the overlook was heavily affected by wildfire in 2020, and access has since been intermittent. As of 2025, sections of the route may still close temporarily for restoration, so checking current U.S. Forest Service updates is essential before visiting.

When open, the hike remains moderately strenuous, winding through mixed conifer forests and along canyon rims. In spring, melting snow ensures the waterfall flows at its fullest, making this season especially popular. Wildlife such as deer or birds of prey are sometimes spotted along the way, adding to the sense of remoteness.

The overlook platform provides a panoramic vantage point, while the fall’s feather-like spray in sunlight explains its name. Visitors are encouraged to bring ample water and plan ahead, as amenities remain minimal and conditions can change quickly.

4. Faery Falls (Shasta-Trinity National Forest)

Hidden behind a veil of moss and memory, Faery Falls invites curious visitors near the remains of Ney Springs Resort. The short one-mile hike follows Ney Springs Creek and gradually reveals traces of the past, with old stonework and signs of the former resort. The falls themselves cascade gracefully over volcanic rock, creating a cool refuge on warmer days.

This spot’s local reputation grows from its secluded vibe and the serenity it offers even during peak seasons. The trail’s manageable length makes it suitable for families and casual hikers, though portions near the creek can become slippery.

Photographers appreciate the interplay of sunlight and deep shade, often capturing the falls in dappled afternoon light. The combination of natural beauty and local history gives Faery Falls a storybook quality without any crowds.

5. Whiskeytown Falls (Whiskeytown National Recreation Area)

Once considered lost to maps, Whiskeytown Falls re-emerged as a local treasure after being rediscovered in 2004. The 3.4-mile round-trip hike climbs steadily through mature forests, with the sound of falling water becoming more prominent as you approach. The falls tumble over several tiers, each with its own character and rhythm.

Moderate elevation gain keeps the trail engaging for both seasoned hikers and those looking for a challenge. Interpretive signs along the way offer insights into the area’s ecology and the falls’ rediscovery. In summer, the misty spray offers relief from the heat, while spring brings lush vegetation and vibrant wildflowers.

Park officials recommend sturdy footwear and ample water, as trail sections can be uneven. Its rediscovered status adds an element of modern-day exploration to a classic waterfall hike.

6. Escondido Falls (Malibu)

Escondido Falls stands as the tallest in the Santa Monica Mountains, but it reveals its full beauty only after seasonal rains. The 3.8-mile round-trip hike follows a shaded canyon lined with sycamores, oaks, and occasional wildflowers. In wetter months, the upper tier fans out over mossy rock, while drier periods reveal a slower trickle.

The lower falls are accessible via a well-maintained path, but reaching the upper tier requires careful scrambling and respect for posted signs. Local hikers often return in late winter or early spring, when the flow is strongest and the canyon feels most alive.

Because the falls are in a sensitive ecological area, visitors are urged to stay on established trails. This journey offers a layered experience, shifting with the seasons and weather patterns each year.

7. Three Chute Falls (Yosemite National Park)

Three Chute Falls is not among Yosemite’s headline attractions, but its three-stream split makes it memorable for those who find it. Located along the Mirror Lake Trail in lower Tenaya Canyon, the falls require a bit of off-trail scrambling to view up close. Each chute carves its path over smooth granite, lending the spot a sense of understated drama.

In spring, snowmelt gives the falls more volume. The setting offers a quieter alternative to the valley’s more crowded icons, inviting hikers to linger in relative solitude. The area’s geology provides plenty to observe, from weathered boulders to delicate wildflowers.

Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and occasional slippery rocks. This destination appeals to those who appreciate hidden corners rather than grand entrances.

8. Phantom Falls (North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve)

Phantom Falls lives up to its name, appearing only after sufficient winter rains on North Table Mountain. The 4-mile trek to the falls crosses open grasslands and volcanic outcrops, often brightened by wildflowers in late winter and early spring. The falls themselves pour from a basalt rim, forming a column of water that vanishes in dry months.

The hike is mostly unshaded, requiring sun protection and plenty of water, especially later in the season. Local legends suggest the falls were named not only for their fleeting nature but also for their hidden approach, which winds past old mining ditches and cattle paths.

This site is also known for vernal pools and diverse plant life, drawing naturalists as well as photographers. The landscape changes dramatically depending on rainfall and time of year.