Let’s be honest, sometimes you want the epic waterfall views without the whole “sweaty hike up a mountain” thing.
If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing waterfalls from your car window or strolling just a few steps from your parking spot to a jaw-dropping view, this California road trip is for you.
Some of these waterfalls are tall, some are wide, some crash into pools below, some even spill directly into the ocean but all are super easy to reach.
From the misty forests of the north to the sunny cliffs down south, this trip is packed with epic waterfalls you can reach within minutes.
Let’s hit the road and find the falls you don’t have to hike for.
1. Hedge Creek Falls
Hedge Creek Falls is a 35-ft waterfall, located just off I-5 in the tiny town of Dunsmuir, and it’s so close to the road you can hear it from the parking lot.
The super short 0.6-mile roundtrip trail takes you right behind the waterfall thanks to a cool cave tucked into the cliff.
It’s shady, easy, and perfect for stretching your legs, plus you’ll get a misty secluded spot that feels way more epic than the effort it takes to get there.
2. Burney Falls
Next up is Burney Falls which steals the show with a wild 129-foot drop and water spilling out of the cliffs like it’s coming from a busted pipe and a waterfall at the same time.
It’s inside McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, just off Highway 89, and the viewpoint is only a few steps from the parking lot, so you’ll hear that roar the second you open your car door.
If you do feel like stretching your legs, there’s a 1.1-mile loop trail that takes you to the base and back up, with nonstop views of what Teddy Roosevelt once called “the Eighth Wonder of the World”.
3. Potem Falls
If you’re up for a little detour off the main road, Potem Falls is totally worth the bumpy drive.
This 70-foot waterfall plunges into a dreamy, swimmable pool that feels like your own secret hideout.
It’s located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, about a 1-hour drive from Redding, and the walk from the roadside parking spot is barely 0.6 miles roundtrip.
The trail is short but steep-ish on the way back up, so wear decent shoes, and don’t forget a towel as the water is crystal clear and perfect for a refreshing dip.
Just a heads-up: as of this writing, Potem Falls is currently closed through January 2026 due to the Green Fire. Be sure to check online for updates before planning your visit.
4. Glen Alpine Falls
Next on the list is Glen Alpine Falls, a wide, thundering cascade that crashes 65 feet down a granite staircase like nature’s version of a slip ‘n slide.
It’s located just outside of South Lake Tahoe in the Fallen Leaf Lake area, and the best part is that you can literally park right next to it so there’s no hiking required.
Spring and early summer are peak flow season, when the snowmelt turns this spot into a full-on waterfall explosion, and yep, your camera roll will thank you.
5. Grizzly Falls
From Tahoe, head to the Sequoia National Forest near Kings Canyon National Park for Grizzly Falls.
This 80-foot stunner practically hits you with mist the second you step out of the car.
This one’s about 0.1 miles from the roadside pullout, so it’s more like a quick stroll than an actual hike, but the payoff is huge, especially in spring when the water’s roaring.
There’s even a designated picnic area near the falls, so you can snack with a view and pretend you planned a whole hike to earn it.
6. Roaring River Falls
Just a few minutes farther into Kings Canyon, Roaring River Falls is loud, fast, and basically exploding out of a narrow granite chute like it’s late for something.
It drops about 40 feet, and the paved trail to get there is only 0.3 miles roundtrip.
It’s also flat, easy, and totally wheelchair accessible.
If you stand close enough, you’ll feel the thunder in your chest, and yep, it lives up to the name big time.
7. McWay Falls
Now get ready for McWay Falls which isn’t so much about power, but it’s all about wow.
Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along Highway 1 in Big Sur, this 80-foot waterfall drops straight onto a sandy beach in front of the ocean.
Yeah, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
The viewpoint is just a 0.5-mile roundtrip walk from the parking lot, and while you can’t go down to the beach, the cliffside view is pure postcard material.
Please note that at the time of writing, the primary trail leading to the viewpoint of McWay Falls is currently closed due to retaining wall repairs, and is expected to remain closed through 2026 but you can get a great view of the falls from the highway.
8. Nojoqui Falls
In Santa Barbara County, Nojoqui Falls is a tall, skinny 80-foot drop that flows like a ribbon down a leafy cliff face.
It’s located inside Nojoqui Falls Park, and the walk from the parking lot is about 0.6 to 0.9 miles roundtrip on a shady, flat trail that’s perfect for a leg stretch.
The falls are hit-or-miss in dry months, but after a good rain, it’s like nature turned on a faucet just for you.
9. Big Falls Trail
Last but definitely not least, Big Falls in Forest Falls is, well, big at up to 500 feet tall, with a visible main tier around 150–200 feet, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Southern California.
The main overlook is an easy 0.7-mile roundtrip walk from the parking area, and you’ll hear the falls way before you see them echoing through the canyon.
If the water’s flowing strong, the spray feels like standing next to a rain machine, and yep, it’s just as awesome as it sounds.
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