Berkeley's Backyard Waterfall

Tucked among the hillside homes of North Berkeley is a winding stairway that leads to another world. Berkeley’s Codornices Park is perhaps best known for its 40-foot cement hill slide and relaxing picnic areas. But walk up a bit beyond the kids play area and you’ll get to the “secret” entrance to a Narnia-like canyon with a 40-foot waterfall.

The waterfall is at its best in the rainy months, but that also makes the short trail to it slippery and muddy (wear shoes with good traction!). This is Codornices Creek and you’re technically in someone’s backyard—but they’re cool with you visiting as long as you pick up after yourself and keep the place clean. It’s a waterfall way to enjoy the rain!

Here’s a map to Codornices Park. Behind the wooden trolley in the playground are two sets of stairs; take the left set. At the top, continue left. Then look right for a winding concrete staircase; take these up, but not all the way. Twenty feet past the first lamppost there’s a small gate on the left with a “Private Property” sign. Enter the gate (it’s OK, they allow you to visit) and veer left at the first junction. Follow your ears to the falls. It’s nice to be a welcome guest, so please be respectful and kind in turn!