Berkeley's Backyard Waterfall

Discover Berkeley's Hidden Waterfall

Tucked among the hillside homes of North Berkeley is a winding stairway that leads to another world. Berkeley’s Codornices Park is perhaps best known for its 40-foot cement hill slide and relaxing picnic areas. But walk up a bit beyond the kids play area and you’ll get to the “secret” entrance to a Narnia-like canyon with a 40-foot waterfall.

Berkeley's secret backyard waterfall

Hidden waterfall in Berkeley

The waterfall is at its best in the rainy months, but that also makes the short trail to it slippery and muddy (wear shoes with good traction!). This is Codornices Creek and you’re technically in someone’s backyard—but they’re cool with you visiting as long as you pick up after yourself and keep the place clean. It’s a waterfall way to enjoy the rain!

Berkeley hidden waterfall

Here’s a map to Codornices Park. Behind the wooden trolley in the playground are two sets of stairs; take the left set. At the top, continue left. Then look right for a winding concrete staircase; take these up, but not all the way. Twenty feet past the first lamppost there’s a small gate on the left with a “Private Property” sign. Enter the gate (it’s OK, they allow you to visit) and veer left at the first junction. Follow your ears to the falls. It’s nice to be a welcome guest, so please be respectful and kind in turn!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View