McCloud Falls: Three Waterfalls of Rustic Beauty [Who Wants to Die Without Walking? A Journey to the American National Parks (35) The Jewel of Mt. Shasta]
Written by Sayaka Kato
This time we will introduce McCloud Falls, located southeast of Mount Shasta, quite close to Burney Falls, which we introduced last time
Burney Falls, which I introduced last time . Unlike the dynamic Burney Falls, McCloud Falls is smaller in scale but exudes a rustic beauty. Burney Falls is accessible year-round, but McCloud Falls is closed during the heavy snowfall in winter. The access period is from around April to November each year, depending on the snow conditions of the year.
McCloud Falls is divided into Lower, Middle and Upper falls, allowing you to enjoy three waterfalls
You can drive to the viewpoints of each waterfall to view the falls, or you can walk from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls. It takes about an hour and a half to two hours on average, so it's a good workout and the scenery is very pleasant, so I recommend it
This is a spot where you can enjoy forest bathing while walking along the McCloud River. Middle Falls is said to be the most spectacular, but all the other spots are beautiful
Trail Information
McCloud Falls
Address: McCloud, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Siskiyou County, CA 96067
- Distance: 3.9 miles round trip (6.24km, average 1.5 to 2.5 hours)
- Altitude difference approximately 103m
- Beginners welcome
Parking is available near each waterfall's viewpoint, so if you're not comfortable walking, you can drive up to the viewpoint. There are also wheelchair access points. (There are signs, but we recommend downloading a map beforehand.)
I don't have any photos of the Lower Falls, but some people swim there in the summer. It looks very refreshing
This is Middle Falls
From a slightly higher viewpoint
The view from the trail on the way from Middle to Upper
Upper Falls
If you go further into Upper Falls, you will find a quiet space like this
There are also campsites, and many people enjoy camping in the summer in nature
Please be sure to visit
Sayaka Kato
Leave your hiking and travel plans for Mt. Shasta, California to us. Influenced by my father, I've always loved outdoor activities. While living in Japan, I started hiking and touring national parks, and became fascinated by the natural beauty of the United States and Canada. This ultimately led me to my dream of visiting the United States. Currently, I run ANAMI TOURS, which offers local optional tours created together with clients, such as completely private hiking tours with Japanese guides. I'm happy to introduce special options that I can only find out about because I live in the area. If you're interested, please visit the website below
Related reading
Can you die without walking? A Journey to the American National Parks (22) The Jewels of Mt. Shasta - Ney Springs and Faery Falls
Hedge Creek Falls: A Sacred Waterfall Hidden at the Foot of Mt. Shasta, the City of Water [Would You Die Without Walking? A Journey to America's National Parks (33) The Jewels of Mt. Shasta]
Burney Falls, known as the "most beautiful waterfall in California" [Who can die without walking? A Journey to the American National Parks (34) The Jewel of Mt. Shasta]
Can you die without walking? A Journey to the American National Parks (23) The Jewel of Mt. Shasta ~Castle Lake~