The Mccloud Waterfall Hike Is A Short Easy And Scenic Hike In Northern California

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.

AllTrails/ Belén Torres-Gil

The McCloud Waterfall Hike is a short hike with monumental views. It’s 3.5 miles long and features less than 600 feet elevation gain.

AllTrails/ Robin Rodriguez

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.

AllTrails/ Damian Krzeminski

The water on this first cascade pours out with a lot of power and drops about 25 feet.

AllTrails/ Belén Torres-Gil

Keep heading down the trail, but don’t forget to stop and enjoy the views along the way.

AllTrails/ Sonya Davis

Next, you will arrive at the Middle Falls, which are widely regarded as the most scenic and epic of the three.

AllTrails/ Angelina Angelina Kalashnikova

For an almost bird’s-eye view, you can also check out these falls from the parking area above.

AllTrails/ Robin Rodriguez

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.

AllTrails/ Damian Krzeminski

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.

AllTrails/ Belén Torres-Gil

Would you take this unforgettable hike to these epic waterfalls? Share your thoughts with us today!

AllTrails/ Belén Torres-Gil

AllTrails/ Robin Rodriguez

AllTrails/ Damian Krzeminski

AllTrails/ Sonya Davis

AllTrails/ Angelina Angelina Kalashnikova

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.