Trailspotting California, New England, New Hampshire and More

Whiskeytown Falls, Shasta-Trinity CA

• 4-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Easy | Gain 800 feet
• Whiskeytown, CA | Shasta-Trinity Region
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The image shows a picturesque waterfall cascading down a rocky slope surrounded by lush green forest. The water flows energetically over moss-covered rocks, creating a serene and natural scene. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating parts of the waterfall and the surrounding foliage, adding to the beauty of the landscape.

The image shows a picturesque waterfall cascading down a rocky slope surrounded by lush green forest. The water flows energetically over moss-covered rocks, creating a serene and natural scene. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating parts of the waterfall and the surrounding foliage, adding to the beauty of the landscape.

The always reliable Whiskeytown falls.

For several decades Whiskeytown Falls was a closely guarded secret - possibly so secret that reports suggest that at one time the National Park Service might have actually misplaced its location. Today it's hard to miss the signs for the falls however, which lie just a few miles west of the boats and wave-riders which frolic upon the expanses of Whiskeytown Lake.

The James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls trail begins at the side of Crystal Creek Road. Starting out on level ground the trail soon crosses the creek before climbing gently but steadily uphill. The winding trail passes through a mixture of oak and pine trees which become increasingly dense until you happen upon the torrent of water which is the waterfall.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Whiskeytown Falls Trail 2.8 mi out & back, easy, gain 800 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

$ NPS fee

Whiskeytown Falls cascades down a series of steps, with a total height around 220ft. Though it's difficult to capture the whole of the falls within the lens of a camera, there are still many photo opportunities to be had and the trail also climbs part-way up the falls for some even better views.

Spring and early summer may be the best times to experience these falls, and although the hike might be uncomfortable for some on the hottest days, the heat is somewhat mitigated by the shade of trees for most of the journey.

The image shows a scenic view of a large lake surrounded by lush green forests and mountains in the background. The lake has a calm surface reflecting the sunlight, and there is a line of buoys or a barrier stretching across the water. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds, and the overall atmosphere is serene and picturesque.

The image shows a scenic view of a large lake surrounded by lush green forests and mountains in the background. The lake has a calm surface reflecting the sunlight, and there is a line of buoys or a barrier stretching across the water. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds, and the overall atmosphere is serene and picturesque.

Cool off after the hike with a dip in nearby Whiskeytown Lake.

Tangents:
• Official: National Park Service
• AllTrails Public: Whiskeytown Waterfalls
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