Etiwanda Falls
California · 50-foot drop · North Etiwanda Preserve · Last verified 2026-05-23
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Etiwanda Falls is a multi-tier seasonal cascade above Rancho Cucamonga on the southern flank of the San Gabriel Mountains. The 3.2-mile out-and-back trail climbs 800 ft of exposed, rocky chaparral — easy in winter but brutal in summer. Flow is heavily dependent on recent rain, so plan visits in the weeks after a winter storm. Dogs are prohibited.
Etiwanda Falls sits in San Bernardino County, California. It drops along East Etiwanda Creek. The falls are inside North Etiwanda Preserve. The base sits at roughly 2,890 feet of elevation. Drive time is about 10 minutes from Rancho Cucamonga. Source records come from OpenStreetMap and sbcounty.gov.
There's a $3 fee at the trailhead or park gate. Dogs are not allowed on the access trail or at the falls. The approach is short and gentle enough for young kids. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Parking: Lot at 4890 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga. Paid via app ($3.25 / 4 hours).. Swimming is not recommended — This is a southern California seasonal cascade — the pool at the base is shallow and the flow is heavily dependent on recent rain. Not a swimming hole. Best viewing window: 1 through 5.
The trail
3.2 miles each way, rated moderate with 800 feet of elevation gain. Lot at 4890 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga. Paid via app ($3.25 / 4 hours).
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etiwanda Falls (this page) | — | 50 ft | moderate · 3.2 mi | N | $3 |
| Bonita Falls | 3 mi | 98 ft | — | — | — |
| Canyon Falls | 5 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Middleman Falls | 7 mi | — | — | — | — |
| San Antonio Falls | 9 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Wolfskill Falls | 13 mi | — | — | — | — |
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Questions visitors ask about Etiwanda Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Etiwanda Falls?
Etiwanda Falls is 50 feet (15 m) tall. Height is sourced from San Bernardino County.
Is Etiwanda Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Etiwanda Falls is inside North Etiwanda Preserve. See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Etiwanda Falls?
No — dogs are not allowed on trails here. Service animals are an exception per ADA.
Can you swim at Etiwanda Falls?
No — swimming is not safe or not allowed at Etiwanda Falls. This is a southern California seasonal cascade — the pool at the base is shallow and the flow is heavily dependent on recent rain. Not a swimming hole.
When is the best time to visit Etiwanda Falls?
Peak flow is typically January, February, March, April, May. Season-wise: winter, spring. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Etiwanda Falls?
Yes — entry costs around $3. Most North Etiwanda Preserve entrances accept the America the Beautiful annual pass.
How far is Etiwanda Falls from a major city?
Etiwanda Falls is 4 miles from Rancho Cucamonga (about 10 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in California
Where it is
34.1860, -117.5232
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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