Chasing Waterfalls in UpState CA!

Potem Falls

Potem Falls is accessible from highway 299-East heading toward Burney, take a left on Fenders Ferry Road to the trailhead. The fall is also accessible by boat by taking the Pit River arm on Shasta Lake. There is a 9 mile dirt road that leads to the pull out for Potem Falls.  It is a fairly steep and difficult trail to get to the fall.  There is a small rope swing, and a beach.  

Rock Creek Falls

Rock Creek Falls is a very picturesque fall near Burney Falls State Park and Lake Britton.  Rock Creek lives up to its name as the creek meanders through huge rock walls.  The Pacific Crest Trail crosses over Rock Creek and has a beautiful, but small, bridge for the hikers and photographers alike. 

Root Creek Falls

Root Creek Falls is a highlight of Castle Crags State park, spilling 500+ feet over the granite Castle Dome. Access the falls off of Root Creek Trail.

Shackelford Falls

Shackleford Falls is a very easy going waterfall that travels down a sloping hill with pools throughout. The trail crosses three parts of the creek, so plan to get wet or go before the rainy season. This waterfall is easily accessible by a short, but somewhat steep trail.

Sweetbriar Falls

This waterfall displays a beautiful array of white water cascading over boulders and is visible from the bridge by the railroad tracks on the Sweetbrier exit off Interstate 5. Very easy access, and a great place for a quick stop off of the freeway.

The Cascades

This waterfall is one of two on this creek and is four times the size of the Kings Creek Falls. The Cascades begin at a meadow and fall down several small ledges to a drop of 53 feet. The water then picks up speed to slide down a steep hillside of 109 feet. Finally The Cascade drops 36 feet to its base. This waterfall is easily accessible.

Upper Canyon Creek Falls

This small waterfall begins the series of three on Canyon Creek and leads you downstream to Lower Canyon Creek Falls. This waterfall is moderately accessible.

Upper Mccloud River Falls

While not as scenic as the middle waterfall, this upper waterfall exceeds in height. The swift river escapes a narrow gorge to crash down small steps to a beautiful pool at its base, where an aquamarine pool will catch your attention. This waterfall is easily accessible by trail.

Whiskeytown Falls

This magnificent waterfall is the tallest in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area at a towering 220 feet. It was re-discovered in 2004 after being kept secret since 1967. This usually misty trail offers a change in climate which invites unique plants and animals. This trail connects to the Mill Creek Trail.  A map of the trail to Whiskeytown Falls is available at the Whiskeytown Visitor Center.Driving Time: 35 mins / 21.22 miles from ReddingDistance: 1.7 miles…

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Waterfall Trails

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has four major waterfall hikes with trails accessible year around - Brandy Creek Falls, Boulder Creek Falls, Crystal Creek Falls, and Whiskeytown Falls. The waterfalls are bursting with runoff from snow melt in the springtime. A summer hike to the falls provides a cool misty break from the warm summer days in the valley. Fall is a spectacular time to walk as the leaves change and become vibrant in color. If…