The Springtime Guide to California Waterfalls
by Aventura on April 6, 2023
California is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States, and there's no better time to visit them than in the spring. As the snow melts and the rainy season comes to an end, the waterfalls in California are at their most impressive. Here are some of the best waterfalls in California to visit in the spring:
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most famous waterfalls in the world, including Yosemite Falls. This waterfall is the tallest in North America, and it's at its most spectacular in the spring when the snowmelt is at its highest. The waterfall is made up of three separate falls, and the total drop is over 2,400 feet. The mist from the waterfall is so thick that you can often see rainbows in the spray.
McWay Falls
Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on the Central Coast of California, McWay Falls is a beautiful waterfall that drops directly onto the beach. The waterfall is only 80 feet tall, but it's one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the state. The turquoise waters and the green foliage surrounding the waterfall make it a stunning sight in the spring.
Burney Falls
Located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Burney Falls is a 129-foot waterfall that's surrounded by lush forest. The waterfall is fed by underground springs, which keeps the water temperature at a constant 42 degrees Fahrenheit. During late spring snowmelt from the surrounding hills add even more water to the falls, making it an even more impressive sight to behold.
Bridalveil Falls
Another famous waterfall in Yosemite National Park, Bridalveil Falls is at its best in the spring when the snowmelt causes the waterfall to gush with water. The waterfall drops 620 feet, and it's named for the mist that blows around the falls, which is said to resemble a bridal veil. The waterfall is easily accessible, and there's a paved trail that takes visitors right up to the base of the falls.
Alamere Falls
Located in Point Reyes National Seashore, Alamere Falls is a rare tidefall, meaning that it drops directly onto the beach and is affected by the tide. Alamere is one of only two tidefalls in California (the other being McWay Falls, referenced above). Visitors can hike to the waterfall along a 13.7-mile round trip trail that takes them through lush forest and along the rugged coastline.
Horsetail Falls
Located in El Dorado County, Horsetail Falls tumbles about 500 feet down a series of rocks. Though the hike is short (less than 3 miles to the falls) the route has an extreme elevation gain and a section of bouldering up near the top, so if you plan to scale it make sure you come prepared. The waterfall gets its name from the way the water fans out at the bottom, resembling a horse's tail. If you’re less inclined to scramble up the rocks for a half mile, visitors can view the waterfall from a viewpoint along the highway.
Takeaway
In conclusion, the spring season is the perfect time to visit the waterfalls in California. From the towering Yosemite Falls to the picturesque McWay Falls, there's no shortage of stunning waterfalls to explore in California in the spring. So pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States.
You Might Also Like
