Big Falls near Forest Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall, often cited as Southern California's tallest year-round falls at roughly 500 feet of total drop, in a canyon of the San Bernardino National Forest. A short, mostly flat trail reaches a viewpoint of the lowest tier; the upper falls area has been subject to closures for public safety.
It ranks #21 of 775 by documented height in this guide.
Big Falls sits on Falls Creek (Mill Creek tributary). It lies in San Bernardino, California. The site is on public land managed by San Bernardino National Forest (USFS).
This is a short hike waterfall: reached by a short trail, generally under about a mile each way. The walk in is brief — comfortable shoes are usually all you need. The walk to the main viewpoint runs about 0.5 miles round trip. The nearest town is Forest Falls.
When to go: Spring (snowmelt). Water volume swings with the seasons here, strongest after snowmelt or rain and lowest in late summer, so check recent streamflow before you go.
