San Francisco is not a city that you would want to miss when it comes to traveling in the USA, particularly in California. How can you resist the charms of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge? What about the Victorian houses scattered across the city? Let’s not forget about boarding the cable car to travel around. When in San Francisco, be sure to stop and see the San Francisco Bay Area, a region that covers cities such as Oakland and San Jose. There are hotels and Airbnb tiny houses in the Bay Area for your accommodation needs. The most remarkable thing about the San Francisco Bay Area is perhaps its waterfalls. If you’re a nature lover, be prepared for an exciting hiking adventure to reach all the waterfalls. Keep reading to find out the best waterfall hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.
Good to know:
- Hikers who will be spending most of their time outdoors should plan to come to San Francisco between late June and early October, according to Weather Spark.
Travel Advisory
Trip101 recommends assessing the risks before hitting the hiking and trekking trails. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations’ ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks.
1. McWay Falls
McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. What makes it such a hit attraction for both tourists and locals alike is its picture-perfect (or should we say Instagrammable) natural beauty all year round. The water originates from McWay Creek and drops 80 feet (24.3 meters) from a cliff filled with greeneries, mixing with the turquoise waters of the cove below, as it ultimately joins the vast Pacific Ocean beyond.
Another reason for its popularity is the easy hike to get to this beautiful waterfall. In fact, it’s considered one of the easiest hikes in the region that even kids can enjoy the scenic stroll.
Mcway Falls
Address: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Big Sur, Central California
2. Alamere Falls
The first waterfall hike on the list is Alamere Falls, a beauty you must not skip. Situated in Point Reyes National Seashore, Alamere Falls is going to take your breath away with its tide of water that falls freely from an altitude of 40 feet (approximately 1.2 meters) to the ocean. In addition to the waterfall, you can also marvel at the view of Bass Lake. You are welcome to enjoy a swim to refresh yourself after a moderate hike. While hiking the trail, you will be surrounded by brush and forests. Other than hiking, visitors also come to Alamere Falls for bird watching. One thing to take note of, you should not bring your furry friend to accompany you as the trail is not dog-friendly.
Alamere Falls
Address: Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California
3. Cascade Falls
If you are looking for a short hike with the difficulty level range from easy to moderate, then Cascade Falls is the one you want. Nestled on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, the pretty waterfall can be found inside Emerald Lake State Park. Enjoy a wooded area along with lush greenery as you make your way to the waterfall. Following the San Anselmo Creek Trail, you will come across the main Cascade Falls. If you are willing to pursue further, you will arrive at Plunge Pool and Upper Cascade Falls, whose views are just as gorgeous as the main waterfall.
Cascade Falls
Address: Cascade Falls Trail, Fairfax, CA 94930, United States
Visited this place?
4. Dawn Falls
Set in Larkspur, Dawn Falls is another hiking trail that you should consider because of its moderate difficulty level and scenic vistas along the way. The trail to the waterfall is open throughout the year, but the best and most popular months are between April and September. For different kinds of experiences, it is recommended that you hike during summer when you get to enjoy the shade of the redwoods and during winter when you can admire the trees that are mostly covered with moss.
Dawn Falls
Address: Dawn Falls Trail, Larkspur, CA 94939, United States
5. Cataract Falls
Among the waterfalls in San Francisco Bay Area, Cataract Falls is probably the most beautiful of them all. Why? Because Cataract Falls consists of a series of small waterfalls that flow rapidly into Alpine Lake, an artificially made lake. There are so many cascades that you may not remember how many there are in total, even when you start to count them in the beginning. The hike is considered to be moderate and it will take approximately two hours to complete. During the hike, you will have to climb to higher ground and many of the steps are indeed steep.
Cataract Falls
Address: Cataract Trail, Stinson Beach, CA 94970, United States
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
6. Carson Falls
What about Carson Falls? You are going to love this waterfall hike because it is both short and easy. You will not meet so many steep and rocky paths. There is only a single trail that is well maintained and easy to follow that even a small child will find it easy to hike. To get to Carson Falls, you need to find your way to Pine Mountain Road. The trail for coming and leaving is the same.
Carson Falls
Address: Carson Falls Trail, Bolinas, CA 94924, United States
7. Uvas Falls
Set adjacent to Morgan Hill within Uvas Canyon County Park, Uvas Falls is loved by hikers for its remote area. Not so many people use the trail to exercise, thus you can have maximum enjoyment and tranquility during your hike. The trail is flat and easy, even for those with no previous hiking experience.
Uvas Falls
Address: 8515 Croy Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, United States
8. Murietta Falls
If you happen to be in Livermore, you should consider trying this waterfall hike, especially if you are an experienced hiker. Unlike the other falls trails, a hike to Murietta Falls is a rather long one and it requires four to five hours to accomplish. What’s more, this waterfall hike is considered to be extremely challenging, if not the most exhausting, in the San Francisco Bay Area. You will encounter a group of big rocks and muddy paths along the way. But once you reach the top, the dramatic views of the falls are not something you will soon forget.
Murietta Falls
Address: Livermore, CA 94550, United States
9. Little Yosemite Falls
You may not have the time required to explore Yosemite National Park. But no worries, when you cannot reach the big, you can reach the little. Situated in Sunol, Little Yosemite Falls offers the views of the waterfall and oak trees that are just as magnificent as the ones in the national park. The hike is easy and short, but do remember that when you get to Alameda Creek, you may be tempted to swim because the water is so clean and fresh. But, you are not allowed to do so.
Little Yosemite Falls
Address: Little Yosemite Valley
10. Peter Creek Falls
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you can complete a trail both ways in less than one hour, you will want to do it, right? Head to Peter Creek Falls trail for a fun and easy trail. You may not ride your bike and bring your dog, so it is going to be just you and nature. You can enjoy the views of numerous small waterfalls here.
Peter Creek Falls
Address: La Honda, California
11. Black Rock Falls
Last but not least is Black Rock Falls, which is situated in the same place as Uvas Falls. Black Rock Falls is the largest fall that you can find within the park and to get to the waterfall, all you need to do is follow the little easy path. Be sure to pause and look around every now and then as you will be rewarded with the views of lush forests.
Black Rock Falls
Address: Fish Creek, Inyokern, CA 93527, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Other hiking and trekking spots in the San Francisco Bay Area
12. Angel Island State Park
Known as the largest natural island inhabiting the stunning San Francisco Bay, Angel Island State Park boasts some of the most charming views surrounding the bay. Offering travelers great and exciting hiking trails, as well as several leisure opportunities, Angel Island is truly one of the hidden gems amidst the urban Bay Area. If you’re looking for the perfect way to reconnect with nature, hiking one of the trails of the park is the best thing to do. Trekking some of the paths on the island will give you enchanting views of the natural wonders surrounding the area. One of the things to remember when visiting the island is to pack light and bring your water with you to keep yourself hydrated, especially if you’re planning to take a long hike.
Angel Island State Park
Address: Pier 41, San Francisco, CA 94109
Website: Angel Island State Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm
13. Lands End Trail Eagles Point
By far one of the most excellent places for a hike in the city of San Francisco, Lands End Trail Eagles Point is a must-experience spot for every traveler who’s new to the city. Featuring several trails that run for miles - all showcasing the famous Golden Gate Bridge from different angles - it’s no wonder that most hikers choose this venue as their go-to hiking spot. Trails at Lands End feature a cliff-top walk through open grass and 30-mile (48.28 km) views above and below the California Coast. The terrain hikers have to walk through is rocky and steep, which is one of the reasons why most professional hikers prefer Lands End Trail for it challenges them.
Lands End Trail Eagles Point
Address: 916 El Camino Del Mar, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
Website: Lands End Trail Eagles Point
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Presidio Trails
One of the iconic destinations in San Francisco, Presidio is famous for many things including its Bay Area views. Featuring some swimming beaches, cultural attractions, and historic military structures, visitors will surely have an exciting day ahead of them. For those travelers who are after thrilling activities, Presidio also boasts excellent hiking trails, perfect for adventurers. For hikers who are new to hiking and want a little bit of a challenge, the trail to take is the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. Its level of difficulty is moderate and will take less than an hour to trek. The hike will give trekkers expansive oceanviews showing Presidio’s western shoreline.
Presidio Trails
Address: Battery to Bluffs Trail, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Website: Presidio Trails
15. Muir Woods National Monument
Known as the globe’s most-visited redwood park, Muir Woods National Monument receives over a million visitors every year. The park is just as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge and the cable cars of the city. If you’re planning to take a hike, to avoid the crowds, make sure to arrive before 10 in the morning. Hikers who prefer taking longer trails can park their cars along the Panoramic Highway and walk down Ocean View Trail into the park, which is an 800-foot (243.84 m) vertical climb. In that way, you can also avoid the hassle of paying reservation fees. The walkways are easy enough to walk through but always remain cautious to avoid accidents.
Book Tours : Muir Woods Expedition Tour of Coastal Redwoods
16. Point Bonita Trail
Situated on the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands is one of the gems of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. With striking views of the Bay Area, Marin Headlands features several sandy beaches, military forts, and headland hiking trails. To get the most of the place, the best vantage points of this area is at Point Bonita Lighthouse. Hikers can access the lighthouse through a tunnel door that leads to a whole new world. The trail stretches over 0,5 miles (0.8km), which will take more or less than an hour to complete, depending on your pacing. Its surface is firm and level, which makes walking the pathway easy and safe.
Point Bonita Trail
Address: 94865, CA-1, Sausalito, CA 94965, United States
Website: Point Bonita Trail
17. Rodeo Lagoon Trail
Featuring a 446-foot (135.91 m) elevation gain and a loop trail that stretches over 4.2 miles (6.75 km), Rodeo Lagoon Trail is a family-friendly trail that’s ideal for hikers who are bringing little kids with them. With a moderate level of difficulty, the trail is the perfect balance for hikers who want a little challenge yet safe trekking. The best time to hike the place is the early morning when the fog is just about to disappear and the rays of the sun illuminate brightly. During the trek, you’ll be able to enjoy beach views, beautiful wildflowers, and breathe in the nature surrounding you. This trip will take you to another attraction; Point Bonita Lighthouse.
Rodeo Lagoon Trail
Address: Rodeo Lagoon, California 94941, USA
Website: Rodeo Lagoon Trail
18. Redwood Regional Park
Another one of the most-loved hiking destinations in San Francisco, Redwood Regional Park in Oakland Hills is famous for its old-growth redwood forestry. It’s one of the largest remaining natural wonders in the East Bay that offers a plethora of activities. Mountain biking, horseback riding, trail running, and hiking are only some of the enjoyable things to do when visiting the park. And if you’re up for some trekking, the park offers a lot of trails to walk, which have difficulty levels that range from easy to moderate, for instance, the Canyon Meadow Staging Area and Redwood Gate Staging Area. Some of the popular trails in the park that allow biking are the stream trail and the French Trail.
Redwood Regional Park
Address: 7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619, United States
Website: Redwood Regional Park
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
19. Twin Peaks
The second-highest attraction in the city, Twin Peaks, with an elevation of 922 feet (281.026 m), features spectacular views of the Bay Area. Originally known as ‘Los Pechos de la Choca", which means Breasts of the Maiden, provide postcard scenes and diversities of plant and animal. If you want to know what the hype of this place is all about, the ideal thing to do is to hike the 0.7 miles (1.12 km) trail that ascend the peaks where you can see the best of the landscape. And if you want a longer hike, you can always opt to continue down Twin Peaks Boulevard towards Portola Drive for a 1.2-mile (1.93 km) Creak to Peaks Trail hike.
Twin Peaks
Address: 501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
Website: Twin Peaks
Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)
20. Mount Davidson
At 927 feet (282.55 m), Mount Davidson is the highest point in San Francisco, and it is a hiking destination in the city. Most people call this parcel of land ‘the hill with the cross on top’. The whole mountain has surrounding trails with some paths leading to the edges of the park. And if you want to fully explore the mountain, you should consider driving on the streets that surround the hill and search for paths that lead uphill. However, if you’re after a quick trip, stay on the gently graded main trail, which only stretches at 0.24 mile (0.38 km). During the hike, you’ll be able to see views of the downtown skyline and San Francisco in all its glory.
Mount Davidson
Address: San Francisco, California, United States
Website: Mount Davidson
21. Bernal Heights Summit
Featuring breathtaking views of the city, Bernal Heights Park Trail has an elevation of 104 feet (31.69 m) that allows hikers to see the best of San Francisco. It’s a 1-mile loop (1.60 km), ideal for all skill levels. The trail is accessible throughout the year and is a perfect spot to bring your dogs with you. It’s an ideal trail to take, especially for families looking for new ways to bond. The walkways are leveled and flat, which makes it a kid and stroller-friendly hiking spot within the city. Enjoy bird-watching while doing the trip and make sure to breathe in all the beautiful scenes that surround the place.
Bernal Heights Summit
Address: San Francisco, California 94110
An adventure in San Francisco
You would think that San Francisco only has a myriad of splendid urban attractions; but actually, it has lots more to offer. Include these waterfall hikes and other trekking adventures in your itinerary for a magical experience. The views and sceneries are surely going to be worth all the effort. Enjoy hiking!
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