Waterfall Summer Hikes

Some waterfall hikes are still spectacles even in early summer, especially after a snow-packing winter. From less known waterworks in the far reaches of both Yosemite and Shasta County, to a stunner in a neighboring state, here are three ways to have a waterfall start to summer.

Week: 06.19.2024
Regions: Northern & Southern CA

Wapama Wows

Hike to Wapama Falls in Hetch Hetchy Yosemite National Park

Woman hiking along a trail in Yosemite
Woman smiling on the hiking trail with a lake in the background at Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite
Woman on bridge at Wapama Falls in Hetch Hetchy Yosemite
Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.
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Sundialed Summer

Summer Fun in Redding

Badaloop Redding
Redding river rafting
Gather your favorite people and dial up the summer fun in Redding! There are span-tastic celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the iconic Sundial Bridge and a Fourth of July celebration with one of California’s largest fireworks shows.
Celebrate the Sundial Bridge

Three Falling

Hiking McCloud Falls in Redding Area Northern California

Three waterfalls, and fewer people. McCloud Falls might be the best waterfall hike in Northern California. There are bigger waterfalls in the state, but it’s the whole package that makes this 4-mile (round-trip) hike truly memorable.
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Watson in a Name? A lot, Sherlock!

Hike to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon

Watson Falls in Southern Oregon along the Highway of Waterfalls
Two people at the overlook and watching Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
A hiker crosses a bride enroute to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
Up close picture of Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
The #1 rule of the unofficial waterfall club? You cannot take a road trip through Southern Oregon and skip the Highway of Waterfalls. This stretch of Highway 138 east of Roseburg along the Umpqua River is a watery marvel that’s lovely year-round.
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    State Park Soaker

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  4. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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    Three Sisters

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