McCloud River Falls Trailhead: A Cascade of Beauty
Discover three stunning waterfalls on a scenic trail along the McCloud River in Northern California's Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
The McCloud River Falls Trailhead provides access to a stunning 3.8-mile (out and back) trail showcasing three tiers of waterfalls along the McCloud River. Located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest near McCloud, California, it's a perfect escape into nature with options for hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
A brief summary to McCloud River Falls Trailhead
- McCloud, California, 96057, US
- +1530-964-2184
- Visit website
- Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the summer months for the best swimming conditions in the refreshing pools below the Lower and Middle Falls.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure parking at the popular Lower Falls and Middle Falls areas.
- Bring appropriate footwear for hiking and navigating the rocky terrain around the waterfalls.
- Consider hiking the entire trail from Lower Falls to Upper Falls for the full experience, or opt for shorter segments by parking at each waterfall's designated area.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at the day-use areas with picnic tables and BBQ grills available at the trailheads.
Getting There
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Driving
From McCloud, drive 5 miles southeast on Highway 89. Look for the Forest Service sign on the left for Fowlers and Lower Falls. Turn right onto McCloud River Loop Road (40N44). Continue through the intersection, staying right at the fork. The Lower Falls Day Use and parking area will be on your right. Parking is free.
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Walking
From the town of McCloud , walking to the trailhead is not recommended due to the distance (5 miles) and lack of pedestrian infrastructure along Highway 89. Driving is the most practical option.
Discover more about McCloud River Falls Trailhead
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
McCloud Millworks
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McCloud Heritage Junction Museum
9.6 km
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Signal Butte Switchback
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Bartells Camp historic marker
16.0 km
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Ancestral Rock
19.2 km
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Panther Meadows
19.5 km
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The Sacred Spring
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Belnap Fountain
21.0 km
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Lookout point at Cave Springs Motel
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Former Ski Bowl
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Ascension Rock
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Dad's Medicine Wheel
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Mushroom Rock
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Mt Shasta Memorial Fountain
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California Historical Landmark 396: Strawberry Valley Stage Station
26.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lower Falls, McCloud River
0.1 km
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McCloud Falls - Upper Fall
1.3 km
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Mt. Shasta Ski Park
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Shasta-Trinity National Forest
19.5 km
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Mossbrae Falls
20.2 km
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Hedge Creek Falls
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Tauhindauli Park
21.1 km
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Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens
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Mount Shasta Wilderness
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Shastice Park
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Shasta Vortex Adventures
25.4 km
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Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum
26.5 km
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Headwaters Spring
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Castle Crags State Park
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Mount Shasta City Park
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Essential places to dine
Phuket Thai Café
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The Garden Tap
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Harvest
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Casa Ramos Méxican Restaurant
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Lilys Restaurant
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Highland House Restaurant
25.0 km
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Gigi’s Cafe
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Mike & Tony's Restaurant
25.1 km
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Bistro 107
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Handsome John's Speakeasy
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Sparky’s Landing
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Andaman | Healthy Thai Cuisine
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Say Cheese Pizza
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Pipeline Craft Taps & Kitchen
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Subway
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dandelion Dust Boutique
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Seven Suns Coffee & Cafe
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2nd Chance Consigments
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The Luminaire & The Alchemist - Cafe, Books & Custom Framing
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Velvet Elephant Art Center & Fair Trade Emporium
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Shasta Visions
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Peace of Mt. Shasta
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Shambhala Center and Specialty Store
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Shirt Gallery
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Directions
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Siskiyou Humane Society Thrift Store
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Mountain Song
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Mount Shasta Trading CO - Great Deals on Quality Brands
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Ramshaw's Home Boutique
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ACE Hardware
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Siskiyou Brew Works
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Cobra Lily Bar & Bottle
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Gold Room Saloon
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Vet's Club
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Mount Shasta Brewing Co.
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Weed Alehouse Bistro
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Weed Pub
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Basshole Brews
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Silver Dollar Club
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Karma's House of Spirits
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Rusty Nail
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Three Shastas Bar & Grill
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Monroe's Nightclub & Karaoke
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Kelly's Pub and Wine Bar
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Alehouse Pub
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