Northern California
Best Waterfalls in Northern California and How to Hike Them
Northern California’s best waterfalls, including Burney, McCloud, Whiskeytown, Feather and Alamere Falls, with trail distances, seasons and parking tips.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 4 min read
Most Northern California falls run on rain and snowmelt, peaking in spring and shrinking by August. Spring-fed Burney and McCloud Falls near Mount Shasta flow through fall.
This guide groups the falls by region, with distances, seasons and closures.
In This Guide
- Best Time to See Northern California Waterfalls
- Burney Falls at McArthur-Burney Falls State Park
- McCloud Falls and Hedge Creek Falls Near Mount Shasta
- Whiskeytown Falls and Other Redding Area Waterfalls
- Feather Falls Near Oroville
- Alamere Falls at Point Reyes National Seashore
- Russian Gulch and Kings Creek Falls
- Planning a Northern California Waterfall Road Trip
- FAQ
Best Time to See Northern California Waterfalls
March through June is peak on the coast and in the foothills. Falls around Lassen peak in June and July.
For summer or fall, go to the Shasta Cascade.
Burney Falls at McArthur-Burney Falls State Park
The 129-foot falls pour over a basalt cliff, with smaller streams seeping from the rock face. It runs year-round, and the overlook is steps from parking.
The 1.3-mile Falls Loop Trail drops to the base, follows Burney Creek and returns over Rainbow Bridge. It reopened in December 2024 after erosion repairs.
- Distance: about 1.3-mile loop
- Difficulty: easy, with switchbacks and stairs
- Best season: year-round, busiest in summer
- Nearby: Lake Britton, Hat Creek and Lassen Volcanic National Park
McCloud Falls and Hedge Creek Falls Near Mount Shasta
Both are easy day trips from the town of Mount Shasta. See my Mt. Shasta guide.
Lower, Middle and Upper McCloud Falls
Three falls line the McCloud River off Highway 89 east of McCloud. Lower Falls is a short walk and a summer swimming hole, Middle Falls is a wide curtain, and Upper Falls runs through a basalt chute.
A 3.8-mile round-trip trail links them.
Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir
Hedge Creek Falls is a short, steep walk from a lot off Interstate 5 in Dunsmuir. The trail loops behind the fall into a shallow cave.
About 20 minutes round trip.
Whiskeytown Falls and Other Redding Area Waterfalls
Whiskeytown Falls, west of Redding, is a 220-foot cascade reached by a steady 1.7-mile climb each way.
Brandy Creek Falls and Crystal Creek Falls are shorter. Whiskeytown Lake is nearby for a swim.
Feather Falls Near Oroville
Feather Falls in the Plumas National Forest drops about 410 feet. The loop runs 8 to 9 miles round trip to an overlook above the Fall River canyon.
The trail reopened in fall 2025 after the 2020 North Complex Fire. Little shade remains, so go early in spring.
Alamere Falls at Point Reyes National Seashore
Alamere Falls pours onto a beach. The usual route is about 13 miles round trip from the Palomarin Trailhead near Bolinas on the Coast Trail past Bass Lake.
From Wildcat Campground, walk a mile south on the beach. Avoid the eroded clifftop shortcut, which causes frequent rescues.
Russian Gulch and Kings Creek Falls
Both are half-day hikes with no permit. Russian Gulch charges a day-use fee.
Russian Gulch State Park on the Mendocino Coast
Just north of Mendocino, the Fern Canyon Trail leads to a 36-foot waterfall, about 5 miles out and back. It pairs with a weekend in Mendocino.
The Skunk Train in Fort Bragg is 15 minutes north; see my Fort Bragg and Skunk Train guide.
Kings Creek Falls in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Kings Creek Falls is about 3 miles round trip from the park highway, uphill on the way back.
Snow can last into July.
Planning a Northern California Waterfall Road Trip
Burney, McCloud and Whiskeytown are within about 90 minutes of each other. My Shasta-Cascade driving route adds Lassen and Castle Crags.
On the coast, pair Alamere Falls with a night in Point Reyes Station or Inverness. Russian Gulch fits a Northern California coast road trip.
- Shoes with traction
- Offline maps
- A warm layer for cold canyons
- A trash bag
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous waterfall in Northern California?
Burney Falls. It flows year-round and is visible steps from the parking lot.
When is the best time to see waterfalls in Northern California?
March through June for most falls. Burney and McCloud Falls stay strong all year.
Can you swim at McCloud Falls?
Yes, at Lower and Middle McCloud Falls in summer. The water is very cold, so skip cliff jumps.
How long is the hike to Alamere Falls?
About 13 miles round trip from the Palomarin Trailhead, longer from Bear Valley or Five Brooks. Time the beach section for low tide.
Is the Feather Falls trail open?
Yes, it reopened in fall 2025 after fire damage from 2020. It is now largely unshaded, so check Plumas National Forest alerts and go early.
