This National Forest Hiking Trail In California Offers Scenic Waterfalls And Outdoor Fun

It's no secret that California is full of scenic hiking destinations. From towering redwoods and sequoias to dreamy coastal cliffs, rugged mountain peaks, and alien-looking desert rock formations, the Golden State is perfect for getting outdoors. John Muir, known as the Father of the National Parks and one of history's greatest hikers, spent much of his life trekking through California, so it is no surprise the state has such a wide range of great trails to explore. One of the most enjoyable trails in the Golden State is the McCloud Waterfalls Trail (sometimes referred to as the McCloud River Trail), hidden away in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

That forest covers more than 2 million acres in Northern California. The largest national forest in the state, it's also ecologically and geographically rich, containing volcanic plateaus, a vast network of rivers and canyons, and five designated Wilderness Areas. The McCloud Waterfalls Trail lies in the northern part of the forest, in the shadow of Mount Shasta, and is best accessed via Interstate 5.

Most hiking guides in California focus on the national parks, and with good reason. But the McCloud Waterfalls Trail is a charming, accessible hike with loads to see, including, of course, its namesake waterfalls. Here's why it's worth getting out in the wilderness to hike it.

California has the most national parks in the U.S., and some of its most recognizable trails are within its borders, including Half Dome in Yosemite, the Congress Trail in Sequoia, and the North Rim Trail in Yellowstone, the park with the most hiking trails in the U.S. But the McCloud Waterfalls Trail offers just as excellent a hike that winds its way through a picturesque basalt lava canyon and gives hikers the chance to see three delightful cascades up close. It also offers some excellent opportunities for swimming in the summer, as well as some exquisite fall foliage viewing for those hiking later in the year. 

The trailhead is just off the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which runs from the town of Mount Shasta, through McCloud, and towards McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Hikers can park at the Lower Falls parking lot, just outside the Fowlers Campground, before setting off on the trail. It is a relatively easy out-and-back trail over 4 miles, and usually takes around 90 minutes to complete, not including stops to swim! The trails are well-maintained dirt paths, and the main challenge comes from the uphill sections, although in the winter, icy conditions can make the trail a little harder to manage. All three falls — Upper, Middle, and Lower McCloud have pools to swim in, but authorities ask swimmers to avoid diving from the surrounding rocks and cliffs, as newly submerged boulders make it extremely dangerous.  

A recent Forest Service order has restricted vehicle access to the parking lots at each waterfall until May 1, 2027, which means that visitors will have to hike farther to reach the falls. Anyone hoping to enjoy the waterfalls without a long hike, as well as those with limited mobility, should take this into account. There are toilets and a kiosk at the Lower Falls Parking lot, and the nearby Fowlers Campground makes a great base camp for anyone looking to spend a bit more time in the area.

The rest of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is pretty spectacular and well worth exploring in greater depth. Its highlights include the towering 14,000-foot bulk of Mount Shasta, the second-highest summit in the Cascades after Mount Rainier. The Trinity Alps, a scenic mountain range with plenty of excellent hiking trails, are also nearby, and the national forest's five designated Wilderness Areas offer excellent fishing and kayaking on the Trinity, Sacramento, and McCloud rivers.

Hikers looking for more challenging routes than the McCloud Waterfalls Trail will find plenty in Shasta-Trinity. A 154-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail runs through the forest, as do two National Recreation Trails. The Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail offers a 10-mile route through some of the forest's most impressive mountain scenery. The boldest adventurers can take on the peak of Mount Shasta on a cross-country route, or just enjoy views of this giant from the 6-mile Avalanche Gulch Trail.

One of the most charming experiences visitors to Shasta-Trinity can have is to stay the night at Little Mount Hoffman Lookout. Perched high in the sky, with a glorious panoramic view of Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and Mount McLoughlin, this traditional forest cabin is the ideal spot to genuinely get away from it all and immerse yourself in nature. Don't expect luxury, though, the cabin offers only basic amenities, including a wood stove and a vault toilet.