About Maple Falls
Maple Falls is a named waterfall in Santa Cruz County, California, located about 1.9 miles northwest of Day Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Laurel 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°03′04″ N, 121°53′27″ W (37.05106, -121.89079). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Hinckley Ridge (ridge, 0.4 mi), Sand Point (summit, 0.4 mi), and Whites Lagoon (lake, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Fiver Finger Falls, 1.6 miles to the east.
A lengthy hike accesses this scenic waterfall cascading in a densely wooded area.
More Photos
122 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Maple Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Maple Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Maple Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Maple Falls holds a 4.8 average from 33 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Maple Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Hinckley Ridge — ridge, 0.4 mi
- Sand Point — summit, 0.4 mi
- Whites Lagoon — lake, 0.7 mi
- China Ridge — ridge, 0.7 mi
- Olive Spring — spring, 1.6 mi
- Bridge Creek — stream, 1.6 mi
- Hinckley Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Millpond Lake — reservoir, 2.0 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.05106, -121.89079. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Maple Falls
- Castle Rock Falls, CA17 mi northwest
- Berry Creek Falls, CA22 mi west
- Silver Falls, CA23 mi northwest
- Golden Falls, CA23 mi northwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Maple Falls located?
Maple Falls is in Santa Cruz County, California, about 1.9 miles northwest of Day Valley. Its coordinates are 37.05106, -121.89079 (37°03′04″ N, 121°53′27″ W).
What town is closest to Maple Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Day Valley, CA, about 1.9 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Maple Falls?
The closest is Fiver Finger Falls (1.6 mi east). Others within reach include Basin Falls (5.1 mi), Upper Falls (5.3 mi), and Black Rock Falls (5.4 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Maple Falls?
Maple Falls appears on the USGS Laurel 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.