Sonoma County Rains Bring Spectacular Waterfalls

The rain brings more to Sonoma County than fresh green scenery — the water means there are beautiful natural waterfalls to see! Head to Sonoma Wine Country between December and late March to catch some truly spectacular spray at these special spots.

Sonoma Creek Falls in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Kenwood

See the water burble and run as it sluices 25 feet among big, mossy boulders and lacy ferns. The Sonoma Creek Falls is a refreshing sight and a favorite spot to take in the beauty.

Get to the Sonoma Creek Falls in these three ways:

• Lower Canyon Trail: On this level path, you can reach the falls after about one-third of a mile.
• Upper Canyon Trail: From the parking lot near the park’s visitor center, it’s a half-mile walk down to view the waterfall and then a steep half-mile return trip back.
• Pony Gate Trail & Canyon Trail: This 2-mile, one-hour loop begins on the Pony Gate Trail, connects with the Canyon Trail, and heads up into the rocky canyon source of the falls.

Waterfalls Along the Sonoma Coast

The Sonoma Coast is stunning all year, with lush forests and bluffs overlooking windswept coves. But after a good rain, there are also lovely waterfalls to visit — all reachable from scenic Highway 1.

Pomo Canyon in Sonoma Coast State Park, Bodega Bay

Reach this waterfall via the Pomo Canyon/Red Hill Trail in the tiny town of Duncans Mills. This mostly shaded, 6.2-mile loop includes rock outcroppings, footbridges, woodlands, and redwood groves — and, during the rainy season, a creek waterfall near the Pomo Canyon Campground.

Phillips Gulch Falls at Salt Point State Park, Jenner

View this stunning waterfall via the trail at the Stump Beach Cove parking lot. Walk the route for just a few hundred yards to see these falls tumbling dramatically about 15 feet from a solid wall of rock.

Stengel Beach Falls at The Sea Ranch

Check out the gorgeous falls at Stengel Beach in The Sea. Ranch a small community along the Sonoma Coast. Follow the cypress-lined trail that leads to a wooden staircase, a small beach, and great views of the falls on the cliffs.

Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.