About Butano Falls
Butano Falls is a named waterfall in San Mateo County, California, located about 11 miles southwest of Portola Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Franklin Point 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°14′32″ N, 122°19′05″ W (37.24217, -122.31803). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include South Fork Butano Creek (stream, 0.6 mi), Roy Gulch (valley, 1.6 mi), and Newell Gulch (valley, 1.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Golden Falls, 5.0 miles to the southeast.
Weather at Butano Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Butano Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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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 Butano 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
Butano Falls holds a 3.7 average from 3 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Butano Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- South Fork Butano Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Roy Gulch — valley, 1.6 mi
- Newell Gulch — valley, 1.7 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 37.24217, -122.31803. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Butano Falls
- Basin Falls, CA30 mi east
- Upper Falls, CA31 mi east
- Black Rock Falls, CA31 mi east
- Uvas Falls, CA31 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Butano Falls located?
Butano Falls is in San Mateo County, California, about 11 miles southwest of Portola Valley. Its coordinates are 37.24217, -122.31803 (37°14′32″ N, 122°19′05″ W).
What town is closest to Butano Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Portola Valley, CA, about 11 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Butano Falls?
The closest is Golden Falls (5.0 mi southeast). Others within reach include Silver Falls (5.2 mi), Berry Creek Falls (5.8 mi), and Castle Rock Falls (12 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Butano Falls?
Butano Falls appears on the USGS Franklin Point 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.