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: A waterfall road trip! In just about 4 hours of driving time, you can explore 9 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!
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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. Along the 1.5 mile round trip walk to the base of Faery Falls you will pass what remains of Ney Springs Resort.
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 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.
The Middle McCloud Falls is about five minutes from the Upper 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.
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 pretty water.
Wow, are you hungry yet? If you are like me, 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.
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 plants, 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 has been 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 1.5 lb burger that we suggest trying with fried mushrooms.
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 staircase that you can climb up and jump in all over again.
11. Montgomery Creek Falls
Montgomery Creek Falls is another one with multiple 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 peak! 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: What ever floats your boat and fits with your travel plans!
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 on Facebook!
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 [email protected]
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