McCloud Falls (California)

McCloud Falls consists of three separate waterfalls along the McCloud River. You can visit all three in a short walk along the river, or alternatively by driving to dedicated parking lots at each viewpoint. In the summer, the McCloud Falls swimming hole is a favorite amongst locals in the Shasta area. Aside from the falls, the area is full of unique basalt columns sculpted by ancient volcanic activity.

In this guide to McCloud Falls, I’ll share information that will help you plan your trip. The falls are located near many other attractions and hikes in the Mt. Shasta area, making for a great road trip opportunity!

For more places to explore in California, browse my California destination guides.

McCloud Falls Trail Map and Things to Do

Lower McCloud Falls: The Lower Falls are right next to the parking lot, and the initial section of the trail along the river is paved and accessible. This is the most popular spot for swimming and sunbathing in the summer.

Middle McCloud Falls: The Middle Falls are the largest and in my opinion, the most beautiful. The viewpoint next to the parking lot gives you an aerial view. You’ll need to walk ~0.5 miles down the trail on the right for a closer view, and if you climb over some boulders you can swim in the pool at the bottom.

Upper McCloud Falls: The Upper waterfall viewpoint is right next to the parking lot. It’s hard to access the basin at the bottom of the falls due to the steepness of the terrain and lack of a trail.

The McCloud Falls hike consists of a 3.9 mile round trip from the Lower to the Upper Falls. The path follows the river and is mostly flat except for the short ascent to Middle Falls. The trail continues to follow the river past Upper Falls if you’d like a longer walk. For a shorter walk, do the 0.7 mile round trip between the Middle and Upper Falls. The trail is mostly shaded.

Trail Map for the McCloud Falls Hike

Swimming: Lower Falls and Middle Falls are the best locations for swimming, with their deep pools and ease of access. At McCloud Falls, cliff jumping and diving are not advised due to the danger of submerged boulders.  

Fishing: The McCloud River is a great place for trout fishing.

Useful Tips

Limited phone service. Expect limited to no phone service on the road to the Falls and at the Falls themselves. Download Google Maps of the area and hiking trail GPS information in advance.
 
Leave no trace. Let’s keep this area pristine!

How Long to Visit

In 1 hour, you can drive between the Falls. In 2 hours, you can walk the McCloud Falls trail between the Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls.

Allow extra time for swimming or sunbathing in the summer!

McCloud Falls Weather and When to Go

McCloud falls is open year-round. The water flows in all seasons but is highest in winter and spring. The weather can get very hot in the summer. I visited in late November, and the temperature was comfortably cool.

McCloud Falls winter conditions are snowy and cold. The roads leading to the falls are closed in winter, but you can access the falls if you’re willing to walk further and have snowshoes or skis. Check with the McCloud Ranger District Office for current conditions. Chains may be required to drive through this area in winter.

Park Information

No entrance fee or permits are required. The Falls are part of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and there are no specific opening hours. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.

McCloud Falls Directions

McCloud Falls is located in Northern California, off of Highway 89. The closest cities are McCloud (10 min) and Mount Shasta (22 min). The falls are a 4 hr 50 min drive from the Bay Area, and the roads to get there are paved.

The McCloud Falls parking lots are located in McCloud and called “Lower Falls Parking”, “Middle Falls Parking”, and  “Upper Falls Parking” on Google Maps. All parking lots have restrooms, and Lower Falls has a large picnic area. The Lower Falls parking lot can get crowded in summer.

What to Bring

• Good Walking Shoes. Women’s, Mens.
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito spray
• Water, picnic, snacks
• Swimsuit and Microfiber Towel if you’re visiting in summer!

Where to Stay

McCloud Falls Camping

McCloud Falls camping opportunities include both dispersed camping and established campgrounds. For dispersed camping, review the US Forest Service’s regulations.

Established campgrounds are open seasonally and include Fowlers (reservable on recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance) and Cattle Camp (first come first served).

Accommodation in McCloud

McCloud River Bed and Breakfast

Accommodation near Mount Shasta

Budget: Cold Creek Inn

Mid-range: Mount Shasta Ranch Bed and Breakfast, Mount Shasta Resort, Strawberry Valley Inn, Inn At Mount Shasta, Mossbrae Hotel

McCloud Falls Things to Do Nearby

McCloud Falls Map of Nearby Attractions

There’s plenty of things to do near McCloud Falls. I’ve listed some of my favorites below, along with their driving times. If you’d like some itinerary suggestions, check out my guide to the Mt Shasta area.

• Mount Shasta city & Sacramento River headwaters (20 min)
• Hedge Creek Falls (25 min)
• Mossbrae Falls (25 min)
• Lake Siskiyou (25 min)
• Castle Crags State Park (30 min)
• Ney Springs and Faery Falls (30 min)
• Burney Falls (40 min)
• Castle Lake and Heart Lake (40 min)
• Mt. Shasta Bunny Flat trailhead (40 min)
• Pluto’s Cave (55 min)
• Lake Shasta Caverns (1 hr)
• Lassen National Park (1 hr 20 min)
• Crater Lake National Park, Oregon (2 hr 25 min)

Thanks for reading, and I hope this guide to McCloud Falls inspires you to plan a summer getaway in the mountains! Would you swim at McCloud Falls? Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments, I’d love to hear from you.

For more places to explore in California, browse my California destination guides.

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