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25 Breathtaking California Waterfalls You’Ll Want to Visit

After a couple very wet seasons, California’s boasting some post-drought, natural bounty—serious snow pack, brimming lakes and, don’t forget, gushing waterfalls. If you ever wanted to check out these natural wonders, 7×7  curated a list of 25 gorgeous waterfalls, from north to south, with some stats courtesy of outdoorproject.com. Here are some highlights:

BURSTARSE FALLS HIKE VIA PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

Mount Shasta + Medicine Lake Area, California

PROS: Yosemite-like waterfalls. Well-shaded trail (great during summer). Not congested.

CONS: Initial half mile is strenuous and rocky. Climbing to the falls is rigorous and slippery.

CONGESTION: Low

PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TOTAL DISTANCE: 5.00 mi (8.05 km)

TRAILHEAD ELEV.: 2,750 ft (838 m)

NET ELEV. GAIN: 1,060 ft (323 m)

TRAIL USES: Hiking, Biking, Horseback

TRAIL TYPE: There-and-back

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

 

CRYSTAL CREEK FALLS

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Trinity Alps + Marble Mountain Wilderness, California

PROS: Easy access. Great for kids. Wheelchair accessible. Restroom at the trailhead.

CONS: Parking fee required.

CONGESTION: Moderate

PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: General Day Use Fee ($10.00)

TOTAL DISTANCE: 0.66 mi (1.06 km)

TRAILHEAD ELEV.: 1,700 ft (518 m)

NET ELEV. GAIN: 0 ft (0 m)

TRAIL USES: Hiking

TRAIL TYPE: There-and-back

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

 

TRABUCO FALLS

Los Angeles Metro Area, California

PROS: Scenic falls. Less crowded than other hikes in the area.

CONS: Technical hiking. Poison oak.

CONGESTION: Low

PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Winter, Spring

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: California Adventure Pass

TOTAL DISTANCE: 1.20 mi (1.93 km)

TRAILHEAD ELEV.: 1,495 ft (456 m)

NET ELEV. GAIN: 210 ft (64 m)

TRAIL USES: Hiking

TRAIL TYPE: There-and-back

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Get the full list here.


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