These 8 waterfalls are within driving distance of Sacramento. Here’s how to find them
After three years of drought, this winter was met with record snowfall and rain. Now, Northern California waterfalls that were no more than a trickle are flowing again.
There are several waterfalls in driving distance of Sacramento — and the trek will take some planning. You can anticipate a short drive to the trail head and then a hike, with the reward worth the quest.
The further into the Sierra foothills you go, the more waterfalls you’ll find — and don’t sleep on the East Bay, where there are more than a dozen trails where avid hikers have spotted them.
Here are eight places to look for waterfalls within a 2-hour drive Sacramento this spring:
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A Sacramento Bee staff member verified Auburn State Recreation Area, Hidden Falls, Phantom Falls and Bassi Falls trail information. The remainder were researched through the popular hiking app AllTrails, which relies on user-generated information and is generally trusted by avid hikers.
Auburn State Recreation Area
Where: Auburn
How long does it take to get there?: Depending on where you go, it’s about a 45 minute to an hour from downtown Sacramento.
How difficult is the trail? According to AllTrails, there are at least 12 waterfalls throughout the recreation area, which has a parking fee in designated areas. The difficulty of the trails vary depending on where you go.
Calcutta Falls, located along the Western States Trail, takes a 2.2-mile out and back hike, generally considered easy.
Before you head out, be sure to check trail conditions and rules on the official state recreation area website.
Hidden Falls Regional Park
Where: Placer County
How long does it take to get there?: About 1 hour from downtown Sacramento. A permit and fee is required in advance to park at the trail head.
How difficult is the trail? The Hidden Falls Trail loop is 3.3 miles and considered a moderate hike. You may also spot California poppies on the trek.
Before you head out, be sure to check trail conditions and rules on the Placer County website.
Phantom Falls
Where: Butte County
How long does it take to get there?: About 1 hour 30 minutes from downtown Sacramento.
How difficult is the trail? There are two waterfalls along a 4-mile, out-and-back trail, considered a moderate. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
Before you head out, be sure to check trail conditions and rules on the official North Table Mountain Ecological Preserve website.
Bassi Falls
Where: Eldorado National Forest
How long does it take to get there?: About 1 hour and 48 minutes from downtown Sacramento
How difficult is the trail?: A 3.6-mile out-and-back trail takes you to Bassi Falls, passing by cascades and a swimming hole. It’s considered a moderately difficult hike.
Before you head out, be sure to check trail conditions and rules on the official national forest website.
Beale Falls
Where: Spenceville Wildlife Area
How long does it take to get there?: Roughly 1 hour 30 minutes from downtown Sacramento
How difficult is the trail?: The approximately 5-mile trail is considered an easy hike. You may run into some cows, too.
Before you heat out, be sure to check trail conditions and rules on the wildlife area’s website.
Waterfalls near Lake Tahoe
With snow still in the Sierra, the following waterfalls may be difficult to get to — and they’re a little further drive from Sacramento than the rest.
Where: Lake Tahoe Basin
How long does it take to get there?: About 2 hours and 24 minutes from Sacramento
How difficult is the trail?: The out-and-back trail is about 1.5 miles and considered easy, though the snow may complicate your hike.
Make sure to check the official website before heading out, as trail conditions change and closures are possible.
Where: Tahoe National Forest
How long does it take to get there?: About an hour and 50 minutes from downtown Sacramento
How difficult is the trail?: With more than 12 miles to cover, this is considered a hard trail
Make sure to check the official website before heading out, as trail conditions change and closures are possible.
Where: Pollock Pines
How long does it take to get there?: About an hour and 10 minutes from Sacramento
How difficult is the trail?: The 4.5-mile moderate trail will take you to a small waterfall, according to hiker reviews.
Make sure to check surrounding conditions before you head out.
This story was originally published April 27, 2023 at 5:00 AM.