About Islay Falls
Islay Falls is a named waterfall in San Luis Obispo County, California, located about 3.3 miles southwest of Los Osos. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Morro Bay South 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°16′14″ N, 120°51′53″ W (35.27053, -120.86462). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Valencia Peak (summit, 0.7 mi), Hazard Peak (summit, 0.9 mi), and Oats Peak (summit, 1.2 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Three Troughs Falls, 32 miles to the northwest.
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Weather at Islay 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 Islay 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 Islay 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
Islay Falls holds a 4.0 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 Islay Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Valencia Peak — summit, 0.7 mi
- Hazard Peak — summit, 0.9 mi
- Oats Peak — summit, 1.2 mi
- Islay Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- Sand Dunes Bluff — cliff, 1.5 mi
- Hazard Canyon — valley, 1.6 mi
- Grotto Rock — pillar, 1.7 mi
- Coon Creek — stream, 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 35.27053, -120.86462. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Islay Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Islay Falls located?
Islay Falls is in San Luis Obispo County, California, about 3.3 miles southwest of Los Osos. Its coordinates are 35.27053, -120.86462 (35°16′14″ N, 120°51′53″ W).
What town is closest to Islay Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Los Osos, CA, about 3.3 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Islay Falls?
The closest is Three Troughs Falls (32 mi northwest).
Which USGS topographic map shows Islay Falls?
Islay Falls appears on the USGS Morro Bay South 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.