Updated July 2026
Big Falls
Big Falls near Forest Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall, often cited as Southern California's tallest year-round falls at roughly 500 feet of total drop, in a canyon of the San Bernardino National Forest. A short, mostly flat trail reaches a viewpoint of the lowest tier; the upper falls area has been subject to closures for public safety.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check San Bernardino National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Falls drops about 500 feet. That makes it the 21st-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 97% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Big Falls Trail 1E13 reaches it about 0.5 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 112 feet of elevation gain, rated easy. The nearest town is Forest Falls. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with San Bernardino National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions.
Spring (snowmelt). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More California waterfalls
- Alamere Falls · 40 ft
- Bassi Falls · 109 ft
- Berry Creek Falls · 70 ft
- Bridalveil Fall · 617 ft
- Burney Falls · 129 ft
- Carlon Falls · 35 ft
- Cascade Falls · 200 ft
- Cataract Falls
Sources
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