Top Five Waterfall Hikes Of 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


1. ALAMERE FALLS
• January 26
• December 21
I actually visited Alamere Falls twice in 2020, the first time in January, the quick way, via the Palomarin Trail (9.34 miles). In January, we didn't time it hit the low tide, so I only saw the falls from the top. The second visit, via a much longer approach from Five Brooks Trailhead (17.2 miles roundtrip), about 11 months later, on the winter solstice, hit at a low tide morning, and I was able to see and photograph the falls from the beach below. (Pictures and report from the second hike coming soon!) This is one of the very few California coastal waterfalls that pours directly onto the beach. 

2. MAPLE FALLS: February 7
Maple Falls is a good 6.5 mile hike out into The Forest Of Nisene Marks State Park, near Aptos. A really picturesque little falls, way out in the redwoods. It probably slows to a trickle or disappears, or diminishes to a trickle in summer, but in February it was flowing pretty well.

3. DONNER FALLS: April 7
Seasonal waterfall on the north side of Mount Diablo, pours down from Wild Oat Canyon. A Bay Area "must see" in winter and spring!

 

4. FEATHER FALLS: May 4
Reputedly one of the tallest waterfalls in California outside of Yosemite. Whether or not this is true, it is a spectacular site, and well worth the 9.7 mile round trip hike. Sadly, this whole ares was burned by the North Complex Fire, so the area won't look the same next time.

5. HORSETAIL FALLS:
• July 4
• July 24
I hiked to Horsetail Falls twice in 2020. The first time, as part of my 12.3 mile hike up to Pyramid Peak on July 4, and the second time, on July 24, it was just the 2.87 mile hike to the falls' plunge pool. Whether you just go to the bottom of the falls, or climb the cliffs and go over the top, you will be in the presence of one of the best "Yosemite Style" falls outside of Yosemite.