Living in the Sacramento Area for the majority of my life has been a great experience as this area provides so many options for all types of adventures. From all these experiences in the area, these are the nearest trails that feature a waterfall near the Sacramento area that ranges in difficulty. And finally, these trails are extremely busy on weekends and parking may be difficult.
1. Stevens Trail
This trail is around 7.7 miles with an elevation gain of 1,584 feet that is super popular that is an out and back trail. It’s located near Colfax, California which features a waterfall and is moderate in difficulty. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/stevens-trail
2. Hidden Falls trail
The Hidden Falls Trail is a 3.2 mile highly popular trail located near Auburn, California. The has a waterfall and is good for all skill levels as it’s rated easy. Moreover, the change of 475 feet of elevation makes it super doable for most. Definitely, it’s accessible year-round. Also, dogs are also able to use this trail which makes it super awesome.
All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hidden-falls-trails
3. Lake Clementine Dam
One of my favorite waterfall because of the lines caused by the dam. The trail to the dam is about 4.5 miles highly popular due to the location. This is an out and back trail located near Auburn, California, and definitely on the easy side. Dogs are also allowed here.
All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/clementine-trail-to-clarks-pool
4. Fairy Falls
Fairy Falls Trail is definitely a good one to hike and highly popular due to the cool views. The trail is about 5.3 miles located near Penn Valley, California is rated as moderate. The trail itself isn’t the greatest and driving here isn’t fun as about 6 miles is an unpaved road. Nonetheless, the swimming hole is awesome from May until September. Also, dogs can come which is always a plus.
All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/fairy-falls-trail-to-beale-shingle-falls
5. Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail
I like this trail because of the distance as well as being super shady throughout. Additionally, the lake is always beautiful throughout the year. The Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail is an 8.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located in Pollock Pines, California; some would say, Sly Park. This trail is highly popular on weekends as it’s used by so many people. Mountain Bikers are commonly using these trails as well. Also, dogs can come too. Use my GPS location for free parking.
Map To Trailhead: https://www.google.com/maps/@38.7107378,-120.5610693,16.08z
All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/jenkinson-lake-loop-trail
6. Bassi Falls
This waterfall is beautiful without a doubt. This specific trail listed in Alltrails is a 3.6 mile is out and back trail located near Kyburz, California. There are a few other trails that lead to the waterfall. It’s not hard but it’s bit up and down. You can do this in the snow if the roads permit. Also, dogs are able to come here 🙂
All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/bassi-falls
Overall
There are plenty of other hikes in the area that are further away from Sacramento. I’ll create a new list that encompasses more of the better and popular trails with waterfalls. Nonetheless, I hope this list helps you find a trail to explore.
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Cheers!~
