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.
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1. Faery Falls
Faery Falls, California 96067, USA
Hike Mt. 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!
2. Potem Creek
Potem Creek Falls, Fenders Ferry Rd, Round Mountain, CA 96084, USA
rubengarciajrphotography/Flickr
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 - Upper Fall, Upper Fall Rd, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Scott Jungling/Flickr
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
McCloud River - Middle Falls, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Susan Stienstra/Flickr
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
Lower Falls, McCloud River, McCloud River, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Don Graham/Flickr
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
White Mountain Café, 243 Main St, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Jin L./Yelp
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, California 96025, USA
Steven Bratman/Flickr
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
Burney Falls, California 96013, USA
Al Case/Flickr
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
Alpine Drive Inn, 37148 CA-299, Burney, CA 96013, USA
Becky W./Yelp
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? 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.

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Waterfall Day Trips In Northern California

Tori Jane | July 23, 2021

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.  

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Featured Addresses
Faery Falls, California 96067, USA
Potem Creek, California, USA
McCloud Falls - Upper Fall, Upper Fall Rd, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
McCloud River - Middle Falls, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Lower Falls, McCloud River, McCloud River, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
241 Main St, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Mossbrae Falls, California 96025, USA
Burney Falls, California 96013, USA
37148 CA-299, Burney, CA 96013, USA
Lion Slide Falls, California 96065, USA
Montgomery Creek, CA 96065, USA