Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Northern California’s Waterfalls

Northern California is a spectacular place for many things, but when it comes to road trips and waterfalls, there's no other place to top it. Here's what happens when you put two and two together: the ultimate waterfall road trip! In just about four hours of driving time, you can explore nine - count 'em - nine different falls. Add in a few hours here and there for walking to the falls and stopping for breakfast and lunch, and you'll have a grand old time on this trip! You'll love these incredible waterfall day trips in Northern California for sure.

This road trip is located in the area just east of Shasta Lake and Mount Shasta.

1. Faery Falls

Not only does this destination feature these incredible falls, it also is the location of historical ruins, so the history buff in you will be happy to check it out. Along the 1.5 mile round-trip walk to the base of Faery Falls, you will pass what remains of Ney Springs Resort. Fascinating!

2. Potem Creek

Located in the Shasta Trinity National Forest, Potem Falls is just a quarter-mile from the trailhead. You'll drive along a country road a bit to find it, but the reward for this particular detour is a spectacular and less-trafficked 70-foot waterfall that will take your breath away.

3. McCloud Falls: Upper

McCloud Falls is a three-tiered waterfall with separate sections. You'll come to the Upper Falls first. You'll be able to park here and walk about five minutes to see the falls from above. It's a breathtaking sight that is pure NorCal.

4. McCloud Falls: Middle

The Middle McCloud Falls is about five minutes from the upper falls if you hop back in your car. You can also see this cascade from above after just a short walk, but if you feel like stretching your legs after being in the car this is a great place to walk a little further to the base. If you asked "where to find waterfalls near me in Northern California", this one might have appeared toward the top of the list. We love it.

5. McCloud Falls: Lower

The Lower McCloud Falls is an extremely popular swimming hole, and for good reason! There's even a platform to jump off of into the pool below the falls. If you arrive on a summer day, you will be itching to cool off in this pristine and chilly water.

6. White Mountain Cafe

Wow, are you hungry yet? If you are like we are, then all this walking, waterfall viewing, and driving has worked up an appetite. As you drive through the cute town of McCloud, stop in at the White Mountain Cafe for a cup of coffee, a little brunch, and maybe even some healthy, hearty snacks to go. Find it at 241 Main Street, McCloud, California, 96057.

7. Mossbrae Falls

Mossbrae Falls isn't the biggest waterfall you will see on this trip, but it's definitely one of the most unique. The narrow streams of water cascade over green flora, making for an incredibly beautiful little spot to visit. It's about 50 feet high and 150 feet wide.

8. Burney Falls

Next up: Burney Falls. This stop was once hailed as "the Eighth Wonder of the World" by President Theodore Roosevelt. It's an official National Natural Landmark, and even though you might see more people here than at the other stops, it's truly worth braving the crowds to see with your own eyes.

9. Alpine Drive Inn

Are you ready for some good-old American fast food at this point in the drive? If so, make sure you grab a burger and tater tots from Alpine Drive Inn in Burney. The Billy is a one-and-a-half-pound burger that we suggest trying with fried mushrooms. Yum! Find it at 37148 CA-299, Burney, California, 96013.

10. Lion Slide Falls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvEdXLlhUvc

You'll love stopping by Lion Slide Falls as you make your way back to I-5 and on home. It's another popular spot both for swimming and cliff jumping. The falls are divided right in the middle by a massive, dead tree trunk, which serves as a fun natural staircase that you can climb up and jump in all over again.

11. Montgomery Creek Falls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw1tG2GSqw4

Montgomery Creek Falls is another waterfall with multiple stunning tiers. The bigger, lower tier is located right under the bridge below Montgomery Creek Road, so you don't even have to get out of the car to sneak a peek! The upper is immediately upstream of the bridge. This is the last waterfall on this itinerary. From here, you are welcome to find a place to camp for the night near Shasta Lake, get a hotel room in Redding, or drive home for the evening: whatever floats your boat and fits in best with your travel plans!

So, what do you think? Did you know most of these waterfalls are within 2 hours of each other?

Did you know about these waterfalls to drive to in Northern California? Are you eager to hop in the car and see these beauties? Be sure to let us know your thoughts by checking in with us in the comments. Need more amazing Northern California wonders? Check out this list of 21 incredible places in NorCal you've got to see before you die.