California is well-known for many things, including its vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisine scenes, and exhilarating rides. What most people don’t realize is that Sacramento, the state’s capital city, is also home to beautiful landscapes, nature parks, rivers, and hills.
This city is one of the places you should visit if you want to experience the culture, relaxation, and adventure. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Old Sacramento, and the California State Railroad Museum are among the attractions.
There are many Places to Hike in Sacramento, Ca stunning waterfalls may pique your curiosity if you’re looking for a breathtaking adventure in the natural outdoors. In this article, we have provided a list of the best waterfalls near Sacramento, California.
Does it Rain in Sacramento Ca?
Sacramento, California receives 20 inches of rain each year on average. The average annual rainfall in the United States is 38 inches. Sacramento receives 0 inches of snow each year on average. The average annual snowfall in the United States is 28 inches.
Waterfall near Sacramento – Best Waterfalls to Visit:
There are numerous waterfalls in the Sacramento area that are easily accessible. Here are eight of the most stunning waterfalls in the Sacramento area.
1. Bassi Falls:
Bassi Falls is a spectacular natural force. This waterfall’s powerful flow is breathtaking. The falls trickle down 109 feet from the granite cliff into Bassi Creek below. Hikers do not have to worry about a difficult journey to reach these magnificent falls.
If you don’t mind the cold snow meltwater, there are some fun swimming holes to explore. There is a parking area off Ice House Road near the Union Valley Reservoir where you can access the falls.
If you’re heading toward Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 50 just after Pollock Pines to Ice House Road. On Ice House Road, a 4WD vehicle is recommended. Later in the summer, there isn’t much to see as Bassi Creek deteriorates into a shadow of its former self.
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Type of Trail: Out and back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
2. Sly Park Waterfall:
Sly Park Waterfalls has so much to offer that you could easily spend an entire day enjoying the lush environment and lakeside activities. Visit the titular falls to marvel at the flowing water, or follow the source to Jenkinson Lake!
Swim, fish, or hire a kayak to explore the coves and shoreline. It’s a lovely trip through woodlands and gorgeous surroundings 35 minutes away in Sly Park; highly recommended for first-time visitors and regular guests alike!
The trail itself is almost totally flat, with the exception of a number of minor inclines, and goes along the lakeside. You should go to Sly Park Waterfall before it dries up in the late summer. At its apex, you’ll observe strong falls cascading into a small but deep lake bed. It truly is a hidden paradise.
- Distance: 8.5 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
3. Eagle Falls:
The Eagle Falls Trail showcases some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This route is short and simple enough for the entire family to follow. Waterfalls, rivers, lakes, granite peaks, and lush greenery provide something for everyone.
Continue southwest on the path after getting your wilderness permit at the Eagle Falls Trailhead. Gently climbing at first, and then mounting a steep flight of stone steps. You’ll soon come across the falls. Some hikers prefer to return here.
If you want to continue to the lake, take the trail upward for another half mile or more until you hit a fork. The trail to the right leads to the lake, which is located in a glacial cirque beneath North Maggie’s Peak.
Swim in the icy Eagle Lake waters, or simply relax on the banks and enjoy the scenery. When you’re finished, go back the way you came.
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Type of Trail: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy
4. Cascade Falls:
Cascade Falls, which drops 149 feet, is undoubtedly one of the more stunning. The trail is another really easy and quick hike, so even novices will enjoy it. You’ll be brought to the top of Cascade Falls, where you’ll be able to see Lake Tahoe and Cascade Lake.
It’s a breathtaking view, so be prepared for photo opportunities. Although it is possible to get to the bottom of Cascade Falls, it is not recommended.
The Cascade Falls Trail winds through the woods and up stone steps. Along the trip, there are numerous vantage points with spectacular views of Cascade Lake, Emerald Bay, and Lake Tahoe. Although there isn’t much elevation change, there are several difficult sections along the trail to maneuver with large rocks/small boulders.
It is an excellent area to eat lunch, relax, and take in the sights as you reach the top of the falls. The neighboring massive granite rock outcroppings are breathtaking. There are several pools where you can dip your feet.
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy
5. Palisade Falls:
Palisade Falls, sometimes known as Rattlesnake Falls, is a famous destination for daring kayakers and hikers. You’ll have to work your way down a 47-foot plunge to get there. Don’t worry; the 7-mile climb up the canyon from the trailhead is well worth every heart-pounding second.
The fact that Palisade Falls is more isolated means that you won’t have to worry about enormous crowds ruining your photos. The optimum months to visit this path are from June to October. Dogs are welcome, and certain areas allow them to be off-leash.
- Distance: 13.6 miles
- Type of Trail: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Vey Strenuous
6. Heath Falls Overlook:
The Heath Falls Overlook is not far from its downriver neighbor, Palisade Falls. It’s another difficult hike to these falls, but at least it’s downward. Actually, 1,700 feet down, and whatever goes down must drag its feet back up!
But it’s a beautiful sight when you’re there. The falls drop 45 feet from the gorge into the river below. Enjoy the foggy view and have a seat before returning up the route.
The falls are entirely on private property, and any effort to descend the exceedingly steep canyon is not only reckless but also considered trespassing. This region is not suitable for camping.
- Distance: 5 miles
- Type of Trail: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Difficult
7. Upper Glen Alpine Falls:
Those who want to see the Upper Alpine Falls or the Modjeska Falls must take a pleasant and quick trek. The Desolation Wilderness trailhead serves as the starting point for the trek.
Glen Alpine Falls are the falls that keep on giving: every step down the trail provides a new, breathtaking view of this nearly mile-long expanse of rushing water. Lower Glen Alpine Falls can be reached from the side of the single-lane road leading to the Glen Alpine Trailhead, which begins at the south end of Fallen Leaf Lake.
There are numerous photo chances within a 50-foot walk along this section of the falls. Within the first mile of hiking, the trail into Desolation Wilderness climbs past many cascades of Glen Alpine Creek. Glen Alpine Falls provides an enviable array of perspectives in a relatively short distance and without the crowds found at Eagle or Cascade Falls.
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Round trip hike
- Difficulty: Easy
8. Dutch Creek Falls:
If you’re in the Garden Valley area, around an hour from Sacramento, and searching for something to take your breath away, Dutch Creek Falls is the place to go. You’ll need to drive to Gold Discovery Park, which is located on Highway 49 in Coloma. You must hike 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) beginning at the South Fork American River bridge.
From there, you can continue hiking through a campground until you reach the main trailhead. The hike has a moderate difficulty level. So, if you’re a beginner looking for something a little harder, this is the place to be. When you arrive, you’ll understand why this waterfall is regarded as one of the best in the area.
- Distance: 4 miles
- Type of Trail: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
What to See In Sacramento, Ca:
Sacramento, California’s state capital is a legendary city with a long and rich history and a number of tourist attractions. There are a few things to see and do in this city that are listed below.
1. Visit the zoos:
Who knew there were two zoos in the Sacramento area? The Sacramento Zoo is located at Land Park Drive and 16th Avenue in Sacramento, and the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is located at 403 Stafford St. in Folsom.
Both provide educational activities and enjoyable events, including overnight stays with the animals, but each is distinct in its own way. Make a trip to both!
2. Watch the Kings:
We nearly lost the NBA team to Anaheim a few years ago. All the more reason to applaud our local royalty. So put on some purple and make your way to the Power Balance Pavilion. You’ll be in excellent company. King’s fans have a reputation for being the most vocal in the league.
3. Tour the Capitol:
It’s architecturally stunning, historically significant, and open to the public. Except for significant holidays, the California State Capitol Museum is open daily.
The museum and the Capitol are the same building, so while you traverse the corridors, you are right in the middle of California’s working seat of government. The Capitol is located in downtown Sacramento on 10th Street between L and N streets.
4. Browse the Crocker Art Museum:
The museum has been open since 1885, but it recently underwent a massive expansion that more than tripled its size and was unveiled on October 10, 2010, its 125th anniversary. The museum not only houses world-class art, but also conducts lectures, films, concerts, and other events.
5. Tour a mansion or two — and while you’re at it, a fort:
The Leland Stanford Museum, the Governor’s Mansion, and Sutter’s Fort provide a lot of information on the area’s history. To whet your appetite:
The Leland Stanford Mansion, the former residence of California’s eighth governor (Leland Stanford), was erected in 1856, housed three governors in the 1860s, and eventually became the Stanford Home for Children. Built in 1877, the Governor’s Mansion held 13 governors.
(The current governor, Jerry Brown, never resided there but visited when his father, Edmund G. Brown, was governor.) Sutter’s Fort, originally known as “New Helvetia” (New Switzerland), was built in 1843 and has functioned as a trade station, a rehabilitation center for Donner Party survivors, and a refugee camp for persons displaced by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Waterfall Near Sacramento – FAQs
Conclusion:
Sacramento is the type of place where you can do practically anything. It has several historical places to satiate your inner culture vulture. It also has a lot of wonderful food.
Nature parks and wildlife are additional highlights of this attractive city. If you’re stuck for ideas, consider taking a day trip to one of the waterfalls listed above.
