Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls is an 80-foot plunge waterfall that drops into an idyllic swimming pool in the San Diego River Gorge, widely considered the most impressive waterfall in San Diego County. The falls cascade over a broad rock face into a deep, clear pool surrounded by massive boulders and shaded by sycamores and oaks — a desert oasis that feels transported from the Pacific Northwest. On hot days, the pool is perfect for swimming, and the mist from the falls provides welcome relief from the inland San Diego heat.

The Cedar Creek Falls Trail is a 5.5-mile round trip from the main trailhead with about 1,069 feet of elevation gain. The catch: the hike in is almost entirely downhill, which means the return trip is a sustained, challenging uphill grind with an average 8% grade. The trail follows the San Diego River Gorge through chaparral and oak woodland, with increasingly dramatic canyon views as you descend. The final approach crosses the creek several times before arriving at the falls and swimming hole.

A permit is required ($10 for up to 5 people) and only 75 permits are issued per day, available through Recreation.gov. Book well in advance for weekends. The falls flow best from December through June, with swimming most enjoyable from March through May before the heat becomes oppressive. No alcohol is permitted in the area. Cliff-jumping is prohibited due to submerged rocks. Start early to avoid hiking out in the afternoon heat, which can be brutal from May through October.