McCloud Falls - Upper Fall, Shasta Cascade Travel Guide

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Witness the power of the McCloud River as it plunges through a basalt gorge at Upper McCloud Falls, a gem in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

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McCloud Falls - Upper Fall

Upper McCloud Falls, the last of the three waterfalls on the McCloud River, offers a unique perspective with its powerful cascade through a narrow basalt gorge. Easily accessible with a short walk from the parking area, it's a worthwhile stop for witnessing the beauty and geological history of the region.

A brief summary to McCloud Falls - Upper Fall

Upper Fall Rd, McCloud, California, 96057, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring McCloud Falls - Upper Fall.

Visit during the spring or early summer for the best water flow and to see the falls at their most powerful.
Bring a camera to capture the unique geometric formations of the columnar basalt cliffs surrounding the falls.
Combine your visit with a hike to Middle and Lower McCloud Falls via the McCloud River Trail for a complete waterfall experience.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association

Castle Crags State Park

Shasta Dam Visitors Center

Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum

Hedge Creek Falls

Explore McCloud Falls - Upper Fall on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near McCloud Falls - Upper Fall, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From the town of McCloud, drive east on Highway 89 for approximately 5.5 miles. Look for the signed road for the McCloud River Loop and turn right (if coming from McCloud). Continue for 0.7 miles and stay right at the first intersection. Turn right again to get to the Upper Falls parking lot. Parking is free. From the parking lot, it's a short, paved walk to the viewing area.
Walking

If starting from Lower or Middle McCloud Falls, follow the McCloud River Trail upstream. The trail is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the river and canyon. From Middle Falls, continue along the trail for approximately 1.5 miles to reach Upper McCloud Falls. Be aware that the trail has some moderate switchbacks.

Discover more about 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.