This One Easy Hike In Northern California Will Lead You Someplace Unforgettable
By Jill S.|Published July 30, 2017
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Jill S.
Author
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.
Waterfalls are to Northern California like cathedrals are to Europe: epic and plentiful! With the high precipitation this winter season leaving our cascades full, there really is no better time to see some of the region’s iconic falls. Some of our favorite falls are all located on the McCloud river, and we love this epic hike that follows alongside this incredible river.
The McCloud river has three major falls that are simply named the Upper, Middle, and Lower. To get to all 3 in one day, follow the fun and easy McCloud Waterfall Trail.
Begin your hike by parking at the Upper McCloud Falls. You can start from either end, but if you don't want to hike back uphill, you can leave a car at the bottom, by the Lower Falls.
The Lower McCloud Falls are a popular place to jump in the river. Daredevils flock here to jump from a safety platform into this iconic Northern California swimming hole.
While you can also drive to each of these waterfalls, getting out and spending an afternoon or morning in the woods and alongside the rushing water of the McCloud is a treat like no other.
