Fall adventures are certainly not to be slept on. After all, there are few things more heavenly than the sound of stepping on crunchy leaves while the colorful shades of fall foliage surround you. The only thing that could possibly make a fall adventure even better is if a waterfall of some kind is involved! Check out this picture-perfect fall outing and plan a visit to McCloud Falls in Northern California. This three-tiered waterfall is a stunning sight to see all year long, but there’s something about seeing this waterfall surrounded by fall colors that makes it so much better.

For a picturesque outing that's bound to make your fall season, head on over to one of Northern California's most beloved waterfalls: McCloud Falls.
Jasmine A/TripAdvisor
Comprised of three different sections, this waterfall is a beauty to behold—especially when surrounded by fall colors. Located six miles outside of the town of McCloud, the falls can be seen by driving to each tier of the waterfall or walking along the designated hiking trail. However you decide to see them, prepare to be blown away by their magnificence.
You'll find the falls located off of Highway 89.
akarande/TripAdvisor
Head east on the highway away from town and turn right onto the road marked for the McCloud River Loop. Continue driving for just under a mile. You'll pass Fowlers Campground before turning left into the parking lot for the Lower Falls Picnic Area.
You'll start your adventure off at the Lower Falls.
Susan Stienstra/Flickr
Right away, you'll be struck by the region's outstanding autumnal beauty. Shades of gold, orange, and red will completely surround you. Simply put, the landscape looks like a scene pulled straight from a postcard!
The Lower Falls is probably the most popular tier due to the easy access point.
DaveH1965/TripAdvisor
During the summertime, the pool beneath the falls is a highly trafficked swimming destination. The Lower Falls is definitely scenic, but it pales in comparison to what awaits.
Head further down the road or hop on the hiking trail to head to the Middle Falls.
Susan Stienstra/Flickr
This tier is arguably the most impressive, boasting a beautiful cascade of falling water. An overlook along the trail gives you the perfect view of the waterfall and the gorgeous fall colors which surround it during this time of year.
Keep going and you'll end up at the final tier of McCloud Falls.
Surefiresd/TripAdvisor
The Upper Falls pours out of a crevice and drops approximately 25-feet into the river below. The flow here is a lot stronger than the other tiers, and the sound of the rushing water is like music to the ears.
It's about time for fall foliage to start making an appearance around Northern California, so start planning your autumn adventures soon.
M D/TripAdvisor
This colorful display is something you don't want to miss, especially if McCloud Falls is involved!

This awesome video gives you an up-close look at all three falls right from your couch:

Have you seen the beautiful McCloud Falls during the fall before? What’s your favorite season for viewing this magnificent waterfall? Let us know! Check out more fall colors with this road trip to the best fall foliage in Northern California. Interested in camping nearby? Check out all the options with our friends at Tentrr.

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More to Explore

McCloud Falls in Northern California

Tori Jane | August 03, 2023
  1. Where is McCloud Falls in Northern California?

McCloud Falls is a gorgeous, three-tiered waterfall near the town of McCloud, California. Start at Lower Falls and hike the McCloud River Trail up to the other two – it’s an amazing journey that’s both challenging and rewarding and entirely worth it. Upper McCloud Falls is about 25 feet tall. Learn more about all the awesome waterfalls in Northern California.   

  1. What is it like in Northern California in the fall?

Northern California in the fall is such a special time. There’s so much to do, see, and experience up here during this beautiful season as summer fades and winter creeps around the corner. Some must-know facts about Northern California in the fall include:  

  • High temperatures drift down from the mid-90s to the low 60s, with plenty of breezy days.  
  • Low temperatures drift down from the 60s to the 30s and 40s.  
  • Interestingly, San Francisco is at its warmest in the fall.  
  • Many small towns in NorCal hold traditional festivals, feasts, and more at this time of year, and it’s an awesome time to visit.  

Learn more about all the wonders of fall in Northern California. 

  1. Where can I see amazing fall foliage in NorCal?

Fall is a gorgeous time of year all over, and Northern California is definitely no exception. It’s astonishingly beautiful during autumn, and there are some amazing places to witness this firsthand:  

  • Lassen Volcanic National Park – This amazing state park comes ablaze in the fall with epic color and is a photographer’s dream.  
  • Yosemite National Park – Oh, come on! You can’t possibly visit NorCal in the fall and not go to Yosemite. It’s extra incredible when alight with color.  
  • Napa Valley – As if the wine country wasn’t beautiful already, in the fall it turns a stunning shade of gold and orange.  

Learn more about places to see amazing fall foliage in NorCal.  

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McCloud River - Middle Falls, McCloud, CA 96057, USA