Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Northern California’s Waterfalls
Northern California is a spectacular place for a lot of things, but when it comes to road trips and waterfalls, there’s no other place that can 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, stopping for breakfast and lunch, and you’ll have a grand old time on this trip! You’ll love these incredible natural wonders in Northern California for sure.
This road trip is located in the area just east of Shasta Lake and Mount Shasta.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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? Googling “waterfalls near me in Northern California” was certainly worth it, wouldn’t you say?
Are you eager to hop in the car and see these beauties for yourself? Be sure to let us know what you think 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.
Address: Faery Falls, California 96067, USA
Address: Potem Creek, California, USA
Address: McCloud Falls - Upper Fall, Upper Fall Rd, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: McCloud River - Middle Falls, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: Lower Falls, McCloud River, McCloud River, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: 241 Main St, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: Mossbrae Falls, California 96025, USA
Address: Burney Falls, California 96013, USA
Address: 37148 CA-299, Burney, CA 96013, USA
Address: Lion Slide Falls, California 96065, USA
Address: Montgomery Creek, CA 96065, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me In Northern California
July 23, 2021
Tori Jane
What are the most amazing natural wonders in Northern California?
Well, the very first thing that comes to mind when most folks are thinking about NorCal is the incredible Redwood forest. Trees don’t get a whole lot more majestic than that! There’s also the pristine Lake Helen, at Lassen Volcanic National Park. If you’re looking for a sapphire-blue swimming spot, that one is it. If you’ve never seen the tiny island of Trinidad, now is a great time, too. It’s got all the intrigue of a deserted island, but it’s right off the coast. Awesome! For more of our favorite picks of NorCal’s best natural wonders, check this article out!
What are some interesting places to visit in Northern California?
The entire region is interesting and well worth a visit, in our opinion. However, there are some things you’ve just got to do if you’re hoping to get the full NorCal experience. First, you should absolutely take a drive along the world-famous Highway 1, which is an incredible coastal adventure that will introduce you to the most incredible views on the west coast. Should you take that journey, you’ll encounter the fairy-tale town of Carmel by the Sea, and you’ll see the most amazingly quaint and beautiful homes you’ve ever seen, plus some breathtaking scenery to boot. Speaking of drives, if you haven’t driven through the tree tunnel in Point Reyes yet – you need to.
What kind of things to do in Northern California are there?
Plenty! If simply lounging by the ocean isn’t on your to-do list (and if it is, there are more than 300 public beaches up here!), no worries – there’s still much to do! NorCal is home to five National Parks (including the incredible Redwood Forest), and there are 19 epic state parks just waiting to be explored. Camp in any one of the hundreds of awesome campgrounds around the region and go fishing in any one of our hundreds of beautiful ponds, lakes, and rivers. Lovers of waterfalls and forest hikes will find a home here, as we’ve got incredible views and quite the incredible home.
Address: Faery Falls, California 96067, USA
Address: Potem Creek, California, USA
Address: McCloud Falls - Upper Fall, Upper Fall Rd, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: McCloud River - Middle Falls, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: Lower Falls, McCloud River, McCloud River, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: 241 Main St, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: Mossbrae Falls, California 96025, USA
Address: Burney Falls, California 96013, USA
Address: 37148 CA-299, Burney, CA 96013, USA
Address: Lion Slide Falls, California 96065, USA
Address: Montgomery Creek, CA 96065, USA
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Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com.
