About Fiver Finger Falls
Fiver Finger Falls is a named waterfall in Santa Cruz County, California, located about 0.9 miles north of Day Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Loma Prieta 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°02′58″ N, 121°51′43″ W (37.04939, -121.86190). Historical sources also record the names Monte Vista Falls and Five-Finger Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Whites Lagoon (lake, 1.0 mi), China Ridge (ridge, 1.1 mi), and Hinckley Ridge (ridge, 1.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Maple Falls, 1.6 miles to the west.
More Photos
61 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Fiver Finger 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 Fiver Finger 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 Fiver Finger 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
Fiver Finger Falls holds a 5.0 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 Fiver Finger Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Whites Lagoon — lake, 1.0 mi
- China Ridge — ridge, 1.1 mi
- Hinckley Ridge — ridge, 1.5 mi
- Sand Point — summit, 1.5 mi
- Buzzard Lagoon — lake, 1.6 mi
- Santa Rosalia Mountain — summit, 1.6 mi
- Bean Hill — summit, 1.9 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 37.04939, -121.86190. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Fiver Finger Falls
- Castle Rock Falls, CA18 mi northwest
- Berry Creek Falls, CA24 mi west
- Silver Falls, CA24 mi west
- Golden Falls, CA24 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fiver Finger Falls located?
Fiver Finger Falls is in Santa Cruz County, California, about 0.9 miles north of Day Valley. Its coordinates are 37.04939, -121.86190 (37°02′58″ N, 121°51′43″ W).
What town is closest to Fiver Finger Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Day Valley, CA, about 0.9 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Fiver Finger Falls?
The closest is Maple Falls (1.6 mi west). Others within reach include Basin Falls (3.7 mi), Upper Falls (3.9 mi), and Black Rock Falls (4.1 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Fiver Finger Falls?
Fiver Finger Falls appears on the USGS Loma Prieta 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.