Hidden Waterfalls to Discover Across California

Let’s be honest: most “waterfall hikes” you see online are either overcrowded or flat-out disappointing. You drive for hours, pay a ridiculous parking fee, and hike a mile just to see a trickle of water with 50 people standing around taking selfies. That’s not it. But hidden waterfalls in California? They hit differently. These are the off-the-map, hard-to-reach, no-cell-signal kind of places that actually feel like an adventure. You might get lost, you’ll probably get dirty, and you definitely won’t regret it. Here are some of California’s best secret waterfalls that are still (mostly) under the radar. No fluff. Just waterfalls.

1. Potem Falls – Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Talking about hidden waterfalls in California, if you're up for a bit of a drive into the sticks north of Redding, Potem Falls is worth it. You take a dusty forest road, park at what feels like the middle of nowhere, and hike down a steep little path. And there it is, this stunning, 70-foot drop into a glassy swimming hole. In the summer, locals jump off cliffs. In spring, it’s just mist, silence, and forest. Feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard without the tourists.

2. Canyon Creek Falls – Trinity Alps

This hidden waterfall in California is not a casual stroll. We’re talking multiple miles of real hiking, no service, and some legit elevation gain. But what do you get in return? A series of waterfalls crashing through granite canyons in the middle of nowhere. No lines. No filters. Just you and some of the wildest scenery in NorCal. Bring gear. Bring snacks. Maybe bring someone who knows how to read a topographic map.

3. Cedar Creek Falls – San Diego County

Locals call it “Devil’s Punchbowl” for a reason. It’s a gnarly descent going in and a sweat-fest coming out. But down at the bottom is a deep, dark pool fed by a 90-foot waterfall. It’s dramatic. Wild. Almost spooky in a good way. Go when it’s cooler (spring is perfect). Summer heat here can mess you up if you’re not prepared.

4. Feather Falls – Plumas National Forest

One of the tallest hidden waterfalls in California, and somehow, no one talks about it. It’s not hidden because no one can find it it’s hidden because no one bothers. It’s a solid 9-mile round trip, but the view from the overlook? Insane. The falls drop over 400 feet into a deep canyon. Go in spring or after rain for the best flow. You’ll be sore the next day. You won’t care.

5. Monrovia Canyon Falls – LA’s Low-Key Secret

Stuck in LA and need a break from the concrete? Monrovia Canyon is shockingly chill. It’s got shade, water, trees, and a legit little 30-foot waterfall at the end. It’s not massive, but it’s the vibe, peaceful, a little wild, and definitely not what you’d expect 30 minutes from downtown. Easy enough to bring your dog or your hungover friends who don’t usually hike, a must-visit hidden waterfalls in California.

6. Escondido Falls – Malibu

Yes, it’s technically “known,” but most people quit at the lower falls. If you’re down to scramble up a sketchy dirt slope (be careful, it’s not for everyone), you’ll get to the upper falls. They’re taller, greener, and way more magical. Mossy rock walls, vines, dripping water, like nature’s version of a jungle shower. Don’t wear your good shoes.

Why These Waterfalls Matter

Here’s the truth: it’s not just about the waterfalls. It’s about getting off the grid. It’s about the silence, the dirt under your nails, the cold water shocking your feet awake, and that feeling of, “Damn, I earned this.” Hidden waterfalls in California aren’t just scenic spots—they’re permission to slow down and get lost in something real. No crowds. No filters. Just nature doing its thing. So yeah, go find one. Go get scratched up by branches. Go get lost (a little). Just don’t tell too many people. Some things are better left wild. Have a look at our website to know more.