9 Gorgeous California Waterfalls That Stay Within Reach In Winter
When winter blankets California’s landscapes, many hikers pack away their gear until spring.
What they don’t realize is that some of the state’s most spectacular waterfalls actually become more impressive during the rainy season.
From thundering cascades in Northern California to hidden gems along the coast, these winter-accessible waterfalls offer breathtaking experiences when many trails are quiet and crowds are thin.
1. Escondido Falls (Malibu)
Hidden in plain sight near glamorous Malibu estates, this three-tiered wonder transforms dramatically after winter rains.
The modest creek swells into a magnificent 150-foot cascade that rewards those willing to make the moderately challenging 3.8-mile round trip journey.
What makes winter visits special is the lush greenery surrounding the falls, creating a scene more reminiscent of Hawaii than Southern California.
2. Yosemite Falls
Winter transforms North America’s tallest waterfall (2,425 feet) into a masterpiece of ice and flowing water.
The upper falls sometimes freezes completely while the lower section continues to flow, creating a dramatic visual contrast against Yosemite Valley’s granite walls.
Morning visitors might witness the rare “snow cone” – a massive mound of ice that forms at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall.
The 1-mile loop to Lower Yosemite Fall remains accessible year-round, while the valley floor offers numerous vantage points for photographing this icon with far fewer crowds than summer months bring.
3. Hedge Creek Falls
Just off Interstate 5 near Dunsmuir lies a hidden gem that barely requires a hike at all.
This 30-foot cascade conceals a secret cave behind its watery veil, allowing visitors to experience the rare thrill of standing behind a waterfall without getting soaked.
Winter visits often reveal ice formations along the cave’s edges, creating a stunning contrast with the flowing water.
The short quarter-mile trail descends through a forest of Douglas fir and incense cedar, making this an ideal stop during winter road trips through Northern California.
4. Tiptoe Falls (Portola Redwoods State Park)
Among ancient redwood sentinels, this delicate 6-foot cascade proves that bigger isn’t always better.
Winter rains transform this sometimes-shy trickle into a graceful ribbon of water slipping over moss-covered rocks in a setting that feels almost prehistoric.
The real charm lies in the journey – a peaceful 1.5-mile hike through old-growth redwoods that shield visitors from heavy rainfall.
Mushrooms dot the forest floor while banana slugs make surprise appearances along the damp trail, creating a mystical atmosphere unique to Northern California winters.
5. Horsetail Fall (Yosemite)
February brings a phenomenon that transforms this otherwise modest seasonal waterfall into world-famous “Firefall” – when setting sun rays hit the waterfall at precisely the right angle, illuminating it in brilliant orange and red hues that mimic flowing lava.
Unlike the historic man-made firefall that once existed in Yosemite, this natural spectacle depends entirely on perfect conditions: sufficient snowmelt, clear skies, and the perfect angle of February sunlight.
The 2,000-foot ephemeral waterfall only flows in winter and early spring, making this truly a seasonal treasure.
6. Rainbow Falls (Mammoth Lakes)
Snowshoes become your ticket to winter magic at this Eastern Sierra gem.
The frozen landscape creates a fairytale setting where the 101-foot waterfall partially freezes, forming incredible ice sculptures alongside still-flowing sections that catch the light in prismatic displays.
Winter visitors enjoy a special treat as the surrounding snow dampens sound, creating an almost sacred silence broken only by the waterfall’s gentle roar.
The 5-mile round trip through snow-covered Jeffrey pines makes this a true winter wonderland experience.
7. Burney Falls
Nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by Theodore Roosevelt, this 129-foot cascade flows at a remarkable 100 million gallons daily regardless of season.
Winter visits offer a special reward – fewer crowds and the possibility of seeing the falls partially draped in delicate ice formations.
The falls’ unique feature is its source – hundreds of underground springs that emerge through the porous volcanic rock face, creating a wall of water rather than a single stream.
A short, paved 1-mile loop trail makes this spectacular sight accessible even to those with limited mobility.
8. Alamere Falls (Point Reyes)
Mother Nature’s oceanfront masterpiece awaits those willing to undertake an 8.4-mile round trip winter hike.
Unlike typical waterfalls that empty into rivers or lakes, this rare “tidefall” cascades directly onto a beach and into the Pacific Ocean.
Winter storms dramatically increase water volume, creating a thunderous 40-foot main drop that’s framed by coastal cliffs.
The trail crosses several seasonal creeks that form their own mini-waterfalls after heavy rains, offering multiple photo opportunities before reaching the main attraction.
9. Phantom Falls
True to its ghostly name, this elusive 164-foot waterfall near Oroville appears and disappears with seasonal rains.
Winter transforms the surrounding North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve into a wonderland of vernal pools and temporary waterfalls that flow across ancient basalt formations.
Wildflower enthusiasts get a double treat in late winter when early blooms begin carpeting the landscape while the falls still flow strongly.
The moderate 3.5-mile round trip hike crosses open terrain with panoramic views of the Sacramento Valley, offering a completely different waterfall experience than California’s forested cascades.
