There’s something undeniably rewarding about finding a waterfall while exploring a hiking trail. But why stop at just one gorgeous cascade? Located alongside Lewis Creek in Northern California is a trail that takes you to TWO beautiful waterfalls: Corlieu Falls and Red Rock Falls. Rated as moderate, it makes for a memorable outing in NorCal’s great outdoors. If you’re in Northern California and you’re looking for waterfalls near me, you’re in luck – this is one of the best hikes in Northern California thanks to how unforgettable it is.
Enjoy an easygoing hike along a gorgeous creek just outside of Yosemite with the Lewis Creek Trail. Located about nine miles north of Oakhurst, this delightful hiking trail leads you to not one but two incredible waterfalls.
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
You’ll find the trailhead at a pullout right off of Highway 41, approximately seven miles south of Yosemite’s southern entrance. Here you’ll find a small-ish parking lot and an overflow lot just around the corner.
David Prasad/Flickr
The Lewis Creek Trail is rated as a moderate hike. It’s about four miles out-and-back but with 531 feet of elevation gain, you can expect a few sweat-worthy sections. However, the views of the creek, lush foliage, and of course, the waterfalls, make it all worth it.
The Other Guy/Google
The trail starts off on a short downhill slope before crossing Lewis Creek. Flanked by ferns and moss-covered rocks, the creek definitely makes for a picturesque backdrop to this lovely hike.
James Lewis/AllTrails
The first waterfall you’ll come across is Corlieu Falls, which is just downstream from the trailhead. This impressive waterfall is about 80 feet tall and comprised of a series of cascades. You’ll definitely want to take some time to soak in the view!
Scott Ableman/Flickr
Keep following the creek back on the main trail and you’ll be led to Red Rock Falls. This waterfall isn’t as tall as Corlieu but makes up for it with a strong, wide cascade that will leave you in awe.
Sally Moreno/AllTrails
The waterfalls and flora are best seen during the spring, but there’s truly never a bad time to seek out this incredible hike. Treat yourself to the sight of two gorgeous cascades when you take on this quiet creekside hike!
Jerome Kelley/AllTrails
Have you accomplished this waterfall hike along Lewis Creek? What’s your favorite waterfall trail in Northern California? Let us know in the comments!
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
David Prasad/Flickr
The Other Guy/Google
James Lewis/AllTrails
Scott Ableman/Flickr
Sally Moreno/AllTrails
Jerome Kelley/AllTrails
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Address: Lewis Creek Trail South Trailhead, Cedar Valley Dr, Oakhurst, CA 93644, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me August 01, 2022 Tori Jane What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Northern California? Oh, man, where to begin? Turns out, there are numerous breathtaking waterfall hikes in Northern California – so many we can’t even list them all in one breath. We do have some favorite waterfall hikes in Northern California you’ll want to embark upon, though, that are definitely worth mentioning first and foremost, like the trail to Crystal Creek Falls at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. It’s a nice, paved, level trail leading to a wonderful little picnic area not far at all from the falls. Another must-visit trail is, of course, the hike to Yosemite Falls, an incredible 2,245-foot-tall cascade that requires a 7.2-mile, rigorous trek to access. It’s worth it. We promise. Where are some wonderful hiking trails with waterfalls in Northern California? Anyone looking for a hiking trail with waterfalls in Northern California that wishes to evade the crowds might want to avoid the above two trails and instead do the hike to Glen Alpine Falls, which is close to Lake Tahoe and is easily one of our favorite short hiking trails in Northern California. Then, there’s the 1.2-mile hike to Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, which is a smaller cascade best viewed after a good, solid rainstorm. Finally, do the hike to Cataract Falls in Marin County. There are 500 miles of amazing hiking trails in Marin County, but 7.7-mile loop hike to Cataract Falls might be one of the most amazing ones. Where is Lewis Creek Trail in Northern California? The Lewis Creek Trail in Northern California is nestled nearby Yosemite National Park (about seven miles from it). You’ll find the trailhead on Highway 41 seven miles south of Yosemite’s southernmost entrance. It’ll be seven and a half miles north of Highway 41/Highway 49 intersection in Oakhurst. The trail is breathtaking and worth the effort – plus, it’s not even terribly difficult, which is wonderful. It has an elevation gain of a little over 300 feet, which isn’t much.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
August 01, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Northern California? Oh, man, where to begin? Turns out, there are numerous breathtaking waterfall hikes in Northern California – so many we can’t even list them all in one breath. We do have some favorite waterfall hikes in Northern California you’ll want to embark upon, though, that are definitely worth mentioning first and foremost, like the trail to Crystal Creek Falls at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. It’s a nice, paved, level trail leading to a wonderful little picnic area not far at all from the falls. Another must-visit trail is, of course, the hike to Yosemite Falls, an incredible 2,245-foot-tall cascade that requires a 7.2-mile, rigorous trek to access. It’s worth it. We promise. Where are some wonderful hiking trails with waterfalls in Northern California? Anyone looking for a hiking trail with waterfalls in Northern California that wishes to evade the crowds might want to avoid the above two trails and instead do the hike to Glen Alpine Falls, which is close to Lake Tahoe and is easily one of our favorite short hiking trails in Northern California. Then, there’s the 1.2-mile hike to Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, which is a smaller cascade best viewed after a good, solid rainstorm. Finally, do the hike to Cataract Falls in Marin County. There are 500 miles of amazing hiking trails in Marin County, but 7.7-mile loop hike to Cataract Falls might be one of the most amazing ones. Where is Lewis Creek Trail in Northern California? The Lewis Creek Trail in Northern California is nestled nearby Yosemite National Park (about seven miles from it). You’ll find the trailhead on Highway 41 seven miles south of Yosemite’s southernmost entrance. It’ll be seven and a half miles north of Highway 41/Highway 49 intersection in Oakhurst. The trail is breathtaking and worth the effort – plus, it’s not even terribly difficult, which is wonderful. It has an elevation gain of a little over 300 feet, which isn’t much.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oh, man, where to begin? Turns out, there are numerous breathtaking waterfall hikes in Northern California – so many we can’t even list them all in one breath. We do have some favorite waterfall hikes in Northern California you’ll want to embark upon, though, that are definitely worth mentioning first and foremost, like the trail to Crystal Creek Falls at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. It’s a nice, paved, level trail leading to a wonderful little picnic area not far at all from the falls. Another must-visit trail is, of course, the hike to Yosemite Falls, an incredible 2,245-foot-tall cascade that requires a 7.2-mile, rigorous trek to access. It’s worth it. We promise.
Where are some wonderful hiking trails with waterfalls in Northern California?
Anyone looking for a hiking trail with waterfalls in Northern California that wishes to evade the crowds might want to avoid the above two trails and instead do the hike to Glen Alpine Falls, which is close to Lake Tahoe and is easily one of our favorite short hiking trails in Northern California. Then, there’s the 1.2-mile hike to Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, which is a smaller cascade best viewed after a good, solid rainstorm. Finally, do the hike to Cataract Falls in Marin County. There are 500 miles of amazing hiking trails in Marin County, but 7.7-mile loop hike to Cataract Falls might be one of the most amazing ones.
Where is Lewis Creek Trail in Northern California?
The Lewis Creek Trail in Northern California is nestled nearby Yosemite National Park (about seven miles from it). You’ll find the trailhead on Highway 41 seven miles south of Yosemite’s southernmost entrance. It’ll be seven and a half miles north of Highway 41/Highway 49 intersection in Oakhurst. The trail is breathtaking and worth the effort – plus, it’s not even terribly difficult, which is wonderful. It has an elevation gain of a little over 300 feet, which isn’t much.
