McCloud Falls - Upper Fall

Upper McCloud Falls, nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, is the northernmost of the three magnificent waterfalls along the McCloud River. While often considered the least dramatic, it possesses a unique charm and geological significance. Here, the river narrows, compressing its flow into a basalt gorge sculpted over millennia. The water rushes and churns, cascading over a series of small, rocky steps before making its final, powerful plunge into a large pool below. This multi-tiered cascade creates a dynamic display of nature's force. Towering cliffs of columnar basalt frame the falls, showcasing the region's fiery past. These geometric rock formations add a sense of grandeur and geological intrigue to the scene. Several viewing platforms provide different perspectives of Upper McCloud Falls, each allowing visitors to appreciate the falls from various angles. The McCloud River was originally named the "McLeod River" after Alexander Roderick McLeod, a Hudson's Bay Company trapper who explored the area in the early 19th century. The name eventually evolved to "McCloud," reflecting the American spelling. The McCloud River is also a protected waterway under California's Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1972.