Salt de la Baga Cerdana

Salt de la Baga Cerdana is a scenic waterfall in the municipality of Monistrol de Calders, in the Moianès region of Catalonia. Locals also know it as Salt de la Coma, a name that comes from the nearby farmhouse of La Coma.

What will you see there?

The waterfall forms on the Baga Cerdana stream and drops in two stages. Water first tumbles a few meters down a rocky slope before hitting a second, taller and steeper fall. The cascade plunges in the center of an amphitheater-shaped rock shelter at least 15 meters high and 30–40 meters wide, making it an impressive sight even when flow is moderate.

Below the fall lies a natural pool with clear water, home to aquatic plants such as lanceleaf water-plantain (Alisma lanceolatum) and pondweed of the genus Groenlandia — a sign that the pool holds water for most of the year, even though the waterfall itself is seasonal.

Right next to the cascade, within the same rock shelter, you'll find a cave known as Bauma de la Baga Cerdana, worth a look while exploring the area.

How do you get there?

Salt de la Baga Cerdana sits roughly 500 meters northwest of the La Coma farmhouse, east of the Serrat de la Tirolena ridge. Several hiking trails starting from Monistrol de Calders lead to the waterfall, often combined with other stops such as Gorgs Blaus, Riera de la Golarda, or La Coma itself. The Moianès region is well signposted for hikers, so it's easy to plan a loop route covering several natural landmarks in a single outing.

When should you visit?

Flow in the Baga Cerdana stream depends heavily on the season. The waterfall looks its best after a rainy winter and in spring, when the two-tiered drop is at its most dramatic. During dry summer months, especially after long stretches without rain, the cascade can dry up completely, leaving only the bare rock niche and a shrinking pool. Checking recent rainfall before setting out is a good idea if seeing the waterfall in full flow is the goal.

Frequently asked questions

Does the waterfall flow all year round? No — flow is seasonal and closely tied to rainfall. It's most impressive in spring and after wet periods, and can dry up entirely in summer.

How long is the hike to the waterfall? It depends on the trail and starting point, but most routes from Monistrol de Calders are moderate-length hikes that combine several natural attractions in the same trip.

Are there other things to see nearby? Yes, the same rock shelter holds the Bauma de la Baga Cerdana cave, and area trails also connect to other spots like Gorgs Blaus and Riera de la Golarda.

Can you swim in the pool below the waterfall? The pool is a natural habitat for aquatic plants, so it's best treated with care and respect rather than as a swimming spot — it's a landscape feature to admire more than a place to bathe.