10 Easy & Moderate LA Hikes with Waterfalls, Lakes, and Creek Crossings

Now that California is drought-free for the first time in 25 years, there’s never been a better time to sprinkle your hikes with water that isn’t from your bottle. Check out any of these easy to moderate LA County hikes to spot a waterfall, pond, or river. Bring extra socks for water crossings and make sure to head over before the dry season hits!

Escondido Falls Trail

• Malibu
• 3.5 miles / Moderate
• Dogs welcome
• Right off of the Pacific Coast Highway and across from Escondido Beach you’ll arrive at the trailhead for this popular hiking trail. The moderate out-and-back trail crosses water several times (wear good shoes!) and features views of the Escondido falls. You can even wade in the pool by the falls at the end of the trail.
• Link to more information.

Sturtevant Falls Trail

• Arcadia
• 3.3 miles / Moderate
• Dogs welcome
• Located in Angeles National Forest, this out-and-back trail wanders alongside and occasionally across Santa Anita Creek (wear good shoes!), eventually leading to the namesake natural falls. Along the way you can also enjoy a few manmade waterfalls and hundred-year-old cabins that hint at the long history in this area. Note that you’ll need an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead.
• Link to more information.

Trail Canyon Falls

• Tujunga
• 4.7 miles / Moderate
• Dogs welcome
• Within Angeles National Forest you’ll find this out-and-back trail following a creek to a beautiful waterfall, where you’ll find ropes to assist in your descent. Don’t worry, it sounds scarier than it is. The path can be a bit steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes. Note that you’ll need an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead.
• Link to more information.

Walker Ranch Trail

• Santa Clarita
• 1.6 miles / Moderate
• Dogs welcome
• This short-and-sweet hike in Placerita Canyon State Park takes hikers through beautiful scenery and lush meadows to a hidden rocky waterfall. Just be careful on water crossings and on the rocks, which can get slippery.
• Link to more information.

Grasslands Trail

• Malibu
• 6.1 miles / Moderate
• No dogs
• This trail is extremely popular for several reasons: it’s located in the gorgeous Malibu Creek State Park, it leads to the MASH show filming site, and it even has a visitor’s center. Although this is one of the longer trails on our list, the scenery and wildlife really can’t be beat. In the right season you’ll see rock pools, Century Lake, and the Malibu Dam - plenty of water to feast your eyes! Just note that there is an entry fee for the park.
• Link to more information.

Legg Lake Loop Trail

• Whittier
• 2.2 miles / Easy
• Dogs welcome
• Whittier Narrows Recreation Area is home to Legg Lake, a leggy lake with paths circling and trailing through the area. The loop around the whole lake is an easy 1-hour leisurely stroll along a mostly-paved path. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the range of wildlife, including herons and egrets, along with our more common duck and geese friends.
• Link to more information.

Franklin Canyon Site Trail

• Beverly Hills
• 1.9 miles / Easy
• Dogs welcome
• This peaceful loop features not one, not two, but three bodies of water: The Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir, the Upper Franklin Dam, and the Heavenly Pond. While you probably won’t be dipping your feet in along this trail, the views, greenery, and wildlife are a refreshing change of pace from the LA hustle.
• Link to more information.

Old San Gabriel Canyon Road

• Azusa
• 2.6 miles / Easy
• Dogs welcome
• In the aptly named River Wilderness Park, this out-and-back trail follows the old gravel and dirt road through the hills and alongside the river toward the end of the trail. There’s even a fishing hole at the end so you can catch your dinner if you like, as long as you’re willing to carry it back home with you.
• Link to more information.

Michael D. Antonovich Trail

• San Dimas
• 6.1 miles / Moderate
• Dogs welcome
• This shady out-and-back trail includes a variety of experiences: wildflower meadows, paths shaded by mature trees, beautiful views, and several stream crossings. There’s even some graffiti along the way (gotta love city living)! Perhaps best of all, there’s a free parking lot.
• Link to more information.

Wendy Trail

• Thousand Oaks
• 3.5 miles / Moderate
• No dogs
• Prepare for gorgeous views of rolling hills and wildflowers on this popular out-and-back trail. In addition to a few water crossings there are some steep parts, but Sycamore Falls is worth the cardio. There’s not much shade along the way, so go early and bring sun protection. Dogs are allowed on some parts of the trail, but not approaching the waterfall, so choose wisely whether Fido comes along.
• Link to more information.

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