10 Best Waterfalls Hikes in and Around Orange County

Discover the magnificent waterfalls in Orange County, one of California’s best-hidden treasures showcasing the natural beauty, as it is well known for its sandy beaches and coastal landscapes where you can explore around to see, from calm waterfalls tucked away in the lush green forest to wonderful falls along rocky canyons. These amazing natural marvels provide a revitalizing relief right into the middle of nature.

In this blog, we will be uncovering  the stunning Orange CA attractions – the hikes, and capturing the beautiful landscapes along

Take in the beautiful views of Andreas Canyon Waterfall that may take you through a 1.6 km hiking trail known as Andreas Canyon trail which is close to Palm Springs. It is an ideal spot to witness the natural marvels and take a break from routine work life to find a wonderful escape to relax. Furthermore, it may take approximately 30 minutes to walk around the region and observe and admire the falls which remain open 24/7 and give serene vibes to enjoy.

If you’re looking for some adventurous places to go in Orange County then Black Star Canyon Falls is a great idea for a decent leg workout by hiking through a challenging trek. It is a favorite spot among visitors as this adventurous trip is a bit lengthy, taking up around 7 miles in length, and may require 5 to 6 hours to complete the tour around this place.

It is suggested to pack light and comfy clothing along with hiking equipment, stay hydrated as the heat may make you dehydrated, and take a trip to this waterfall where you’ll be rewarded with an amazing panorama of serene landscapes and several waterfalls.

One of the most fun things to do in Orange County is to begin an adventurous hike through the Chiquito Trail to reach the beautiful Chiquito Falls. You may need to get an adventure pass for trekking that may cost you a few bucks and then hike through the trail which spans about 9.1 miles close to Lake Elsinore.

It is quite a challenging trail to hike, so because of its potential difficulty, this trail is only recommended for experienced hikers giving a challenging quest to hikers. Moreover, it is suggested to wear long trousers because of the poison alert due to the presence of oak trees

For those who don’t mind little challenges and look forward to exciting things to do in OC, Sturtevant Falls may be a good idea for them to hike through a 3-mile-long trail that will take you to the Angeles National Forest. It is an ideal location for families to plan a family trip and enjoy the serene vibes of this place.

If you’re visiting in Autumn, then you’re going to face a lot of crowds as this location is popular among tourists and locals to visit in this season.

One of the exciting things to do in Orange CA is to witness Los Angeles' tallest waterfalls by trekking up the Escondido Falls Trail, located near Orange County and sandwiched between the great Santa Monica Mountains. This location is famous among travelers as it is a family-friendly space, where kids can also go as it is easier than other hikes. This hike is 3.6 miles long and typically takes about 3-4 hours to complete.

Situated on the outskirts of Palm Springs, you must visit this serene location which is home to one of the popular attractions, Tahquitz Canyon. It is situated near OC, taking you on an escape from the busy routine life into the natural marvels. Additionally, it is a great place to observe native wildlife and their antique irrigation systems. It is suggested to take some snacks and a water bottle along with you as the drive towards the hiking trail and the further hike may take around 2 hours to reach, and in the end, it is all worth it as it is going to be a one-of-a-kind journey towards Tahquitz Falls which is 60 ft. in height.

This short 1.6-mile trail leads to the stunning Tenaja Falls, which rises to a height of about 150 ft. Located near Murrieta, the area offers breathtaking views of Lake Elsinore. Planning a trek to this site is a fun-filled adventure, providing a serene escape from city life into nature, where you can enjoy diverse birdwatching opportunities.

One of the adventurous things to do in Orange County is to hike towards this beautiful site, featuring a waterfall that is 50 feet above the land and is one of the famous spots for visitors to take in the tranquil vibes. This trail is open to everyone to hike through a 4.5-mile loop, a bit challenging but will take you to the beautiful waterfalls.

Visit this stunning waterfall with a height of 35 feet approximately and a comparatively shorter climb of about 0.25 miles, an excellent spot to chill out with friends and families or try hiking at a beginner level because it is one of the easiest hikes. It is suggested to visit this place in autumn to get rewarded by a breathtakingly beautiful view of the fall season.

Hike 1.5 miles to reach the beautiful Paradise Falls, the route is very convenient and family-friendly so you can take your kids along. There are 2 trails to take you to the destination, the Moon Ridge Trail and the Wild Wood Canyon Trail combining towards the same spot. It is a tranquil haven for visitors to admire nature and its beautiful aura.