Three Falling

Hiking McCloud Falls in Redding Area Northern California

Three waterfalls, and fewer people. McCloud Falls might be the best waterfall hike in Northern California. There are bigger waterfalls in the state, but it’s the whole package that makes this 4-mile (round-trip) hike truly memorable. The entire way, you’re hiking beside the McCloud River as it charges through a basalt canyon. Right off the bat you’re greeted with Lower Falls—nothing too dramatic, but a beautiful tumbler that’s popular as a summer swimming hole.

The next mile of gentle walking takes you through a forest of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, incense cedar, and Pacific dogwoods, currently turning on a fall foliage display. Next up is brilliant Middle Falls, an elegant 50-foot-wide stunner and the most impressive of the three falls. A little farther up the trail you get a bird’s-eye view of the falls, and then it’s just a few minutes more to the third and final waterfall: Upper Falls. All in, this oasis comprises five tiers, but you’ll only see a couple at a time as the water squeezes through basalt rock and into pools. Good things come in three!

IMPORTANT: Always check the forecast/temperatures before visiting McCloud Falls in summer. While there is some shade on this hike, temperatures can be too hot for hiking safely. You might be able to go very early in the morning, with plenty of water and sun protection, but do not hike in heatwaves or mid-day heat.

From Redding, drive 58 miles north on I-5. Take the Hwy. 89/McCloud exit and drive 17 miles east. Turn off the highway at the sign for Fowlers and Lower Falls. Park and start at the Lower Falls Picnic Area (map). Follow the river trail upstream (not downstream) to see the three falls. It’s approximately 2 miles one-way to reach Upper Falls. McCloud Falls is part of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View