Abrigo Falls

Contra Costa County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 15 ft (4.5 m)
Location: Contra Costa County, California
Access status: Final scramble is an informal route
The walk: Roughly 1.5 to 2 miles one way on the Abrigo Valley Trail, plus an unmeasured scramble
Ground & access: Wide service road, then a muddy climb and a steep stream scramble described as sketchy. This final part is informal and may not be allowed by park rules, which were not checked.

East Bay Regional Park District: Briones

Abrigo Falls is a seasonal waterfall in Briones Regional Park. A 2026 visitor followed the wide Abrigo Valley Trail past two campgrounds, then left the trail on a use-trail into the creek drainage for a view.

Plan your visit

Abrigo Valley Trail from the Bear Creek Staging Area, then an informal route into the Bear Creek gully

The visitor account describes about a mile to Maud Whalen Campground, a little under half a mile more to Wee-Ta-Chi Campground, then a climb to where the falls were heard. These are narrative estimates, not a measured distance. The scramble to the base is extra.

Wide service road, then a muddy climb and a steep stream scramble described as sketchy. This final part is informal and may not be allowed by park rules, which were not checked.

Where to start

Bear Creek Staging Area, 1611 Bear Creek Road, Lafayette. EBRPD lists $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended, cash only. Lot hours are 8 a.m. to sunset.

Timing & water

The visitor says the falls are highly seasonal and flow well only right after heavy rain.

Before you go

Parking fee as listed. Park rules on leaving the trail were not checked; confirm with the park.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

Contra Costa County, California.

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