Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms
Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Angeles Forest Waterfalls Worth the Trek
Tucked away in the San Gabriel Mountains lies a wonderland of waterfalls begging to be explored. The Angeles National Forest offers adventurers a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular cascades around Los Angeles. After the winter rains replenish these hidden gems, the waterfalls start flowing with renewed vigor. Grab your hiking boots and make your way to these cascading oases perfect for a rejuvenating trek.
Eaton Canyon Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Angeles Forest and well worth the short, moderately easy hike. The trail follows Eaton Wash and crosses over a few bridges surrounded by sycamore and oak trees before reaching the breathtaking 40-foot waterfall. During peak flow, Eaton Creek tumbles down the cliffs as a wide and powerful cascade. The thundering water at the base creates a magical swimming hole to take a refreshing dip. Arrive early, as the limited parking and popularity of this hike means crowds on weekends.
For a peaceful hike away from the masses, head to Hermit Falls in Big Tujunga Canyon. This scenic out-and-back trail follows Tujunga Creek, passing through quiet forests with interesting rock formations along the way. Once you reach the base of the 70-foot waterfall, you’ll find peaceful pools perfect for wading and swimming under the cascading water. since the flow depends on recent rainfall, check conditions before heading out. A permit is required for parking.
In the remote reaches of the San Gabriel Mountains lies Bear Canyon Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Angeles Forest at 200 feet high. Reaching it requires an adventurous 8-mile round trip hike with several river crossings. The scenic trail winding up Bear Canyon features oak and bay laurel trees and views of the steep canyon walls. Once you reach the falls, take time to enjoy the view before cooling off in the plunge pool.
For the ultimate adventure to a remote waterfall oasis, take on the challenge of Mt. Waterman. The 8-mile hike gains over 2,000 feet in elevation on the way to Twin Falls, where two streams converge and drop into an idyllic pool surrounded by boulders and forests. This is a difficult trail, but the solitude and scenery make it worth the effort.
What else is in this post?
- Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Angeles Forest Waterfalls Worth the Trek
- Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Secluded Swimming Holes Under Hidden Falls
- Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Crystal Clear Cascades in Malibu Creek State Park
- Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Chasing Waterfalls in Ojai's Whispering Woods
- Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Paradise Found at Escondido Falls Near Malibu
- Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Plunge Pools Below Tumbles in Topanga State Park
- Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Secrets of the San Gabriels: Hard to Reach Falls
- Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Trail Less Traveled to Sturtevant Falls
Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Secluded Swimming Holes Under Hidden Falls
Tucked away in secret spots around Los Angeles, hidden waterfalls offer the promise of secluded swimming holes perfect for escaping the summer heat. While popular waterfalls draw crowds, these covert cascades remain off the beaten path, rewarding intrepid explorers with the chance to plunge into clear pools far from the masses.
In the Santa Monica Mountains, Paradise Falls lives up to its name for those willing to traverse the 2.5 mile trail to this hidden gem. Scrambling your way behind the 50-foot waterfall reveals ethereal pools beggining for a swim beneath the cascade’s misty veil. Despite the challenge, the trek here remains relatively accessible thanks to its moderate distance. Arrive on a weekday to improve your chances of soaking in the serenity.
For a real rugged adventure, set your sights on the falls of Newton Canyon north of Malibu. Several cascades tumble down this seldom-visited canyon, including the dreamy, 30-foot Pool Falls flowing into an irresistible swimming hole. Reaching these secluded falls requires navigating nearly 7 miles of challenging trail, but the payoff promises hypnotic pools far removed from crowds. Time your visit after substantial rainfall to enjoy the best flow.
In La Tuna Canyon, a grueling 6-mile hike earns you the privilege of La Tuna Falls' paradisaical plunge pools. This hidden 80-foot waterfall pours into an idyllic oasis lined with ferns and mossy boulders. Though not for novice hikers, the trek offers magnificent oak and bay forest scenery. Once you arrive, shed your pack and lose yourself in the soothing cascade before heading back refreshed.
For remote waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains without the long hike, take rugged 4WD roads to Hardluck or Holcomb Creek Falls. Their shorter approaches allow more time to lounge on sunny rocks and swim beneath the falls. Hardluck’s 60-foot cascade spills into an angular pool surrounded by canyon walls, while Holcomb Creek's waters tumble 50 feet into an oval-shaped swimming hole. Both offer the chance to picnic creekside before diving into their crisp, refreshing plunge pools.
Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Crystal Clear Cascades in Malibu Creek State Park
Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park shelters a scenic landscape of woodlands, hills, and streams culminating in the park's picturesque centerpiece - Malibu Creek. Feeding this idyllic creek are numerous ethereal waterfalls sprinkled throughout the park's canyons, cascading into crystal clear plunge pools that entice visitors seeking both beauty and refreshment. Of these falls, Century Lake, Rock Pool, and Malibu Falls offer some of the most rewarding adventures for waterfall enthusiasts.
Aptly named, Century Lake Falls spills into a pristine pool framed like a lakeside oasis. Located on the Backbone Trail, it takes a little over 3 miles of hiking to reach the base of this 20-foot cascade. But once you arrive, all the effort is worthwhile. As avid hiker and blogger Jamie shares, "The blue water sparkled in the sun, and it was cool and refreshing on the hot summer day." Grab your swimsuit and soak up the scenery, or simply sit streamside before heading back.
Further upstream, Rock Pool Falls awaits discovery via an easy 1.5 mile trail. This seasonal cascade shapes chutes down the smooth rock into an irresistible swimming hole encircled by boulders. During wetter months, the flow transforms into a wider and more powerful torrent. Well-known blogger and waterfall aficionado World of Waterfalls describes it as "definitely one of the more unique waterfalls I've seen in the region." The quick hike and fun experience make this a family favorite.
Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Chasing Waterfalls in Ojai's Whispering Woods
Tucked into the gentle rolling hills northwest of Ventura, the charming town of Ojai offers a serene respite for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. Beyond the art galleries, boutiques, and spiritual retreats lies an enchanting landscape of wooded canyons, meandering trails, and cascading waterfalls begging to be explored. For waterfall chasers, two jewels hidden in Ojai's verdant woods provide the perfect reward for intrepid trekkers seeking the calming effects only a tumbling cascade can provide.
Reaching Fox Canyon Falls involves navigating the 2.5 mile Fox Canyon Trail as it descends 600 feet into the oasis canyon below. While considered strenuous, active travelers like Serena rave that "the beautiful waterfall at the end was worth every step down the steep trail." The payoff awaits as the 50-foot cascade spills into an angular pool flanked by moss-covered boulders. Here you can pause to enjoy a peaceful picnic or wade into the crisp water before heading back out. Come prepared with sturdy shoes as the trail gets muddy.
Meanwhile, the Nordhoff Ridge Waterfall presents a relatively easy 1.5 mile ramble, perfect for families looking to experience Ojai's natural respite. The trail gently winds through oak and bay laurel forests with tranquil views of the wooded canyon. A beautiful stream parallels the trail, guiding hikers to the delicate 15-foot cascade ahead. Active mom Katie notes the experience is ideal for kids: "It was an easy hike in, playing in the water was a lot of fun, and the hike out was easy for their little legs." Let the peaceful trickle of water wash your stress away before heading back.
Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Paradise Found at Escondido Falls Near Malibu
Tucked away in the rugged Santa Monica Mountains, Paradise Falls lives up to its heavenly name for those willing to make the arduous trek to its hidden locale. This remote 50-foot waterfall rewards intrepid explorers with an ethereal oasis begging for a refreshing swim beneath its misty veil. Despite the challenge of the 2.5 mile hike and scrambling required behind the falls, the payoff proves irresistible.
As passionate hiker and blogger Jamie recounts, “The first glimpse of Paradise Falls takes your breath away. From the canyon floor, you look up to see the waterfall emerging from the granite cliffs and tumbling into an angular pool fringed by boulders and ferns.” She describes the sublime scene as the falls plunge into what looks like a “hidden paradise” lined with verdant green plants and enclosed by the canyon’s soaring walls.
Fellow hiking blogger and guidebook author Casey Schreiner echoes the sense of arriving in a special, secluded sanctuary only reachable by those willing to test their limits. As he shares, “It’s not easy to get here, but for those who make the journey, the reward is an absolutely stunning waterfall that disappears into a grotto behind the cascade.”
The challenge comes from navigating almost 5 miles roundtrip with a steep 600-foot elevation gain and rock scrambling required to reach the base of the falls. But once there, the chance to swim in the crisp, blue pools while surrounded by the white noise of tumbling water makes all the effort worthwhile.
As avid travel blogger and waterfall explorer World of Waterfalls notes, "It's not a hiking trail for everyone, but the payoff is huge if you're willing to take the time to get there.” For those seeking adventure and discovery, earning access to this remote cascade brings a huge sense of accomplishment.
Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Plunge Pools Below Tumbles in Topanga State Park
Tucked into the folds of the Santa Monica Mountains lies Topanga State Park, an oasis of grassy hills, oak forests, and winding trails perfect for rejuvenating hikes. But beyond the scenic vistas and shady trails awaits the true jewels drawing explorers here - the park's numerous cascading waterfalls spilling into crisp, undisturbed plunge pools. Of these falls, Santa Ynez and Trippet Ranch offer some of the most rewarding and refreshing destinations.
The 0.75-mile hike to Santa Ynez Falls rewards adventurers with an idyllic 10-foot horsetail cascade emptying into an angular natural pool that seasoned travel writer Daiana Ruiz calls “the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the beauty and power of nature.” The short, easy trail allows ample time to relax under the shade of sycamore trees while listening to the soothing cascade before cooling off with a rejuvenating swim beneath the tumbling water. As avid hiker Joyce K. notes, “it was fantastic taking a dip” to escape the summer heat.
Meanwhile, the short walk to Trippet Ranch leads hikers to a gentle 20-foot waterfall flowing over tiers of mossy rock into a classic swimming hole that seems like “something straight out of a fairy tale” according to blogger and waterfall enthusiast World of Waterfalls. The easy accessibility makes it an ideal family adventure, with kids able to safely splash and play in the ankle-deep pools while parents unwind creekside. Fellow travel writer and hiker Christina D. says she “could have stayed for hours looking at the waterfall and enjoying the scenery.”
Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Secrets of the San Gabriels: Hard to Reach Falls
Tucked deep in the folds of the San Gabriel Mountains lies a series of elusive waterfalls concealed in remote pockets of wilderness. Far from crowded cascades, these secret falls slumber in solitude, revealing their sublime beauty only to intrepid explorers willing to traverse rugged terrain in search of their seclusion. For waterfall wanderers seeking adventure beyond busy trails, the journeys required to reach these remote cascades offer bucket-list worthy quests with stories and memories to last a lifetime.
The San Gabriel's remote reaches harbor falls like Bridge to Nowhere and Little Jerusalem - gems that require true grit just to access. As passionate trekker Mantas describes it, “Some waterfalls are a walk in a park, while others are an expedition." To glimpse Bridge to Nowhere's breathtaking 300-foot torrent, hikers must traverse nearly 10 miles while fording icy rivers before the dramatic cascade reveals itself. Little Jerusalem's rocky approach covers 8 miles of steep switchbacks, but reaching its heavenly pools lets you savor the solitude.
Fellow hiking blogger Casey Schreiner recounts his all-day trek to remote Hermit Falls as "an amazing waterfall payoff after a long, hot, and challenging hike." Traversing nearly 15 miles while gaining over 4,000 feet in elevation tests even seasoned hikers. Yet as he shares, once arriving at the falls' mist-shrouded base, "all that effort evaporates, and you're left with this really powerful sense that you've uncovered something special that most people don't get a chance to see."
For waterfall wanderers like World of Waterfalls' David, the quest itself makes these hard-to-reach falls so meaningful: "It's the experience of having gone through an adventure just to see these waterfalls that makes them so much more special. It's like you've earned the right to see them." The sense of achievement in discovering seldom-seen cascades brings a euphoria unmatched by busier falls.
Chasing Cascades: 9 Lush Los Angeles Hikes to Gorgeous Waterfalls Flowing After the Storms - Trail Less Traveled to Sturtevant Falls
Tucked away in Big Santa Anita Canyon lies Sturtevant Falls, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains. Yet what makes this60-foot cascade truly special is the scenic 3.6 mile trail leading to it. While many seek out Sturtevant Falls for its beauty, the journey along the gently climbing trail offers its own rewards that should not be overlooked.
As avid outdoorsman Jack shares, “the hike to Sturtevant Falls is fantastic. Yeah the waterfall is gorgeous, but the trail itself stole the show for me.” Winding its way near the cascading stream, the path follows the pristine canyon through shady oak and bay laurel forests, over log bridges, and past charming cabins from a more rural era. This provides a peaceful walk removed from city life.
Fellow hiking blogger Casey Schreiner recommends taking it slow to soak in the scenery: “It's one of those hikes where you'll want to stop frequently, relax and enjoy the solitude.” The moderate elevation gain makes it accessible for most ages to pause and reflect along the way. Families appreciate the ability to birdwatch and enjoy picnic spots streamside.
For waterfall lovers like Mantas, combining Sturtevant Falls' beauty with an engaging trail creates the perfect outdoor adventure: "The hike was incredibly rewarding. The lush forest, the charming cabins, walking alongside a cascading creek - it was just as enjoyable as the waterfall itself!"
Yet reaching Sturtevant Falls does involve effort, with the constant sound of water reminding hikers their reward awaits around the next bend. The final approach requires some sure footing while walking along the cascade's rocky base to find the best vantage points. However blogger WWexplorations reassures it’s nothing too challenging: “It's so worth the effort, because once you get there, it takes your breath away.”