California is known for the sunny summer with never-ending palm trees adorned on the sides of the roads – it’s nothing less than perfection. For the same reason, many people choose California to enjoy the summer at the full expense, but the ones who like nature often complain about the hustle and bustle of the city.
So, if you want to enjoy the offerings of California while enjoying the perks of nature, we are sharing the five best day hikes with a water-based ending. Having said that, are you ready to check out the available options?
Carson Falls Trail
Carson Falls trail is cut on Pine Mountain, which is only a few minutes ride from central California. This mountain has a myriad of small yet highly attractive waterfalls, which means you will be able to take a dip in the water to let go of the tiredness. The best thing about this hike is that it’s easy, so it’s apt for beginners.
On top of everything, the trail is extremely photogenic, which means you can get some nice touristy photos and fill up your Instagram feed!
Alamere Falls
This is a thirty-foot-tall cliff, which makes it an attractive and beginner-friendly hike. It actually overlooks Wildcat Beach (yes, the one around Pt. Reyes). The unique thing about Alamere Falls is that it’s one of the two California falls that end up in the Pacific. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this is the perfect outdoor destination in the North Bay.
When it comes down to the hike, it’s an exceptional choice for people who don’t like crowded areas because this is a remote hike, and you will need to climb around 13 miles to reach the destination.
Dawn Falls Trail
Located around Kentfield, California, the Dawn Falls trail is one of the best trails for people who like water and want to be in their natural habitat. In recent years, the Dawn Falls was dried up because there were no rains, but it has been brought back to life, and it’s time to hike up to enjoy the bubbling and brash water of the Dawn Falls.
While you can climb up the trail easily, it’s also possible to jog, so pack some running shoes. All in all, it’s a convenient trail with the most fruitful water body at the end!
Cataract Falls
Located at Stinson Beach, California, Cataract Falls has the most mesmerizing trait, and it remains one of the most popular and visited destinations. It boasts the north slope of ever-famous Mount Tam and is something you cannot find one con associated with this trail. As far as the hiking is concerned, each way will be around two hours but don’t forget to dip your feet in the Cataract Falls’ water.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is in San Francisco, California, and it’s one of the best places if you want to enjoy nature, get touristy pictures on Instagram, and hike up. You can visit Golden Gate Park, make your way to John Kennedy Drive, and get around the trail. For the longest time, it has been famous for colored lights, but they aren’t there.
However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that you will be able to enjoy the best water show after San Francisco, and it’s worth climbing the trail!
A Bonus Option – Huntington Falls
Yes, we know that we mentioned five hikes in California, but we couldn’t help but mention Huntington Falls. Honestly, this is an artificial waterfall that flows down Strawberry Hill and spills into Stow Lake, so you can enjoy the water. As for the hike, there are perfectly sculpted rocks and adjacent stairs to make sure there is something for everyone!
Emmanuel Lacoste