By Did you know there are waterfalls near Los Angeles? Did you also know that this is the best time to visit the waterfalls? If you drive just an hour or two, you can find some lovely hikes to pretty waterfalls this time of the year!
Thanks to the wet winter we had, the trails we’ve hiked many times before are looking very different now with new streams and temporary pop-up waterfalls. It’s so green and beautiful everywhere! But don’t wait too long, they may be just trickling by next month especially if this warm weather keeps up!
There are more waterfall hikes in Southern California, but these are a few of our favorites. For a detailed hiking guide and additional photos, click on each hike link below. Enjoy!
1. Escondido Falls
- Location: Malibu
- Notable: Seasonal
- Permit/Fee: None
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
2. Millard Canyon Falls
- Location: Altadena
- Notable: Seasonal
- Permit/Fee: Adventure Pass required for parking
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
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3. Paradise Falls
- Location: Thousand Oaks
- Notable: Year-round
- Permit/Fee: None
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
4. Chiquito Falls
- Location: Cleveland National Forest
- Notable: Seasonal
- Permit/Fee: Adventure Pass required for parking
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
5. Cooper Canyon Falls
- Location: Angeles National Forest
- Notable: Year-round
- Permit/Fee: Adventure Pass required for parking
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate – Challenging
Get Our Latest Comprehensive Dog-friendly Trail List Here. Enjoy!
Happy Hiking!
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Hiking Girl with Dog 
Waterfalls are always great, but many of our rivers are full and overflowing right now… and waterfalls gushing!
Wow. ‘Overflowing’ isn’t a description we normally use over here. At most, we get to use “healthy flow”. 😆 Has Spring come to MN yet?
I’d like to say yes, spring has arrived… but snow is still possible. Lot’s of flooding on major rivers, most are now receding… a good sign!
Glad to hear it’s getting better! Happy Spring, Mike! 💚
Gorgeous scenery and the dog looks quite happy in the water : )
Glad you liked the photos! 🙂
I love hiking to waterfalls! They are so awesome to see- and these look like awesome ones! 💗🐾
Thanks! I like these hikes because they are not as crowded as the other ones. Some of the waterfall hikes here are like going to a zoo!
Eaton Canyon falls are really pretty right now IF you go on a weekday and avoid the “zoo” It’s way too crazy in the late afternoon or weekends. Easy hike for dogs as long as they don’t mind walking in the streams to get there.
Will DEFINITELY have to try your recommendations!!! Thank you so much for the reviews 🙂
Anytime, Holly! We haven’t checked out Eaton Canyon Falls because we only have time to adventure on the weekends and you are right, it’s a zoo over there!!! Too many people for both Xena and me. Maybe someday…
Eaton Canyon is really nice right now IF you go early on a weekday to avoid the zoo. Way too crazy in afternoon or weekends (yuck) I actually prefer quiet hikes.
Will DEFINITELY check out the hikes you reviewed. THANK YOU!!!
Holly (and Behr)
this is awesome thanks for sharing!
If you get a chance I would really appreciate if you could check out my music/art blog. it’d mean a lot!
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Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the post.
Love these recommendations can’t wait to try out Paradise Falls! I have a couple awesome hike recommendations on my blog for the LA area you should check them out!
Thank you!
Your dog is so cute and beautiful.
Thanks so much!! 💞