McCloud Falls Middle Falls
Experience the breathtaking beauty of McCloud Falls, a trio of stunning cascades in Northern California, perfect for hiking, swimming, and photography...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
McCloud Falls Middle Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the breathtaking beauty of McCloud Falls, a trio of stunning cascades in Northern California, perfect for hiking, swimming, and photography.
"McCloud Falls is one of those rare places where the effort-to-reward ratio is honestly unbeatable."
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Parking is available at each of the three falls sections, though it can fill up quickly on busy days.
🥾 Steep Hike to Middle Falls
Be prepared for a steep, unpaved downhill walk to reach the base of Middle Falls.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 823 reviews
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Middle McCloud Falls
McCloud River
A stunning 50-foot cascade into a turquoise pool, perfect for cooling off or admiring the powerful flow.
Upper McCloud Falls
McCloud River
A beautiful 25-foot waterfall offering serene views and a peaceful escape.
Lower McCloud Falls
McCloud River
A wide, 15-foot waterfall with a deep pool, ideal for swimming on warmer days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Parking is available at each of the three falls sections, though it can fill up quickly on busy days.
🥾 Steep Hike to Middle Falls
Be prepared for a steep, unpaved downhill walk to reach the base of Middle Falls.
🥶 Water is Freezing!
The water is cold year-round, even when swimming next to the falls.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the rocky terrain and steep trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Parking is available at each of the three falls sections, though it can fill up quickly on busy days.
🥾 Steep Hike to Middle Falls
Be prepared for a steep, unpaved downhill walk to reach the base of Middle Falls.
🥶 Water is Freezing!
The water is cold year-round, even when swimming next to the falls.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the rocky terrain and steep trails.
💧 Mist is Refreshing
Expect to get misted, especially closer to the falls. It's part of the immersive experience!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise McCloud Falls for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the vibrant turquoise waters of Middle Falls. The accessibility of viewing platforms and the opportunity for a refreshing, albeit very cold, swim are highlights. However, some find the hike to the base of Middle Falls challenging and note the lack of amenities like restaurants or extensive facilities.
"Now this is a beautiful stop. There is a lot parking between the three sections and bathrooms. The only place to actually go touch the water semi safely is the middle falls. It is a trail that goes all the way down and when u do get to the water it is not easy to maneuver across the rocks. I would say it’s even a bit dangerous. The water is very cold but you can deep in if you like. If you ever wanted to swim next to the waterfall this is your chance but it is freezing. It was a fun time."
Mazal Shavratov
"It was absolutely gorgeous and beautiful. It has a limited parking area, n there is a steep 10-15 mins downhill walk to reach the falls. There is no flat area to sit near the falls. Front there you can also follow a trail to reach the lower falls if u have time and u like walking because it's a good 30 mins walk or else you can drive to the lower falls. There is no enter ticket to see the falls, it's in the middle of a jungle with no restaurant or washrooms.
You can't stroller to the middle falls."
komal singh
"The viewing platform(s) are less 20ish feet from the parking lot. You'll hear the falls before you see them.
Epic, because nature!! Gorgeous any time of day, easy footpath to get closer.
Water is going to be cold year round. Plenty of parking. Worth the drive to go and see."
Amanda Maloney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McCloud Falls is located in Northern California, near the town of McCloud. You can drive to the designated parking areas for Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. The drive itself is scenic, often mentioned as part of the adventure.
While viewing platforms are close to parking, reaching the base of Middle Falls requires a steep, unpaved downhill walk. Strollers are not recommended for this section.
Yes, you can visit all three falls. The trail connecting them is about 3.9 miles round-trip, or you can drive between the parking areas for each fall.
The most common approach is via Highway 89, turning onto McCloud Dam Road. Follow signs for the individual falls. Many visitors combine a trip to McCloud Falls with other nearby attractions like Burney Falls.
Restrooms are available at the parking areas for the falls, though they can be basic. It's advisable to bring your own supplies.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit McCloud Falls. It's a natural attraction managed by the Forest Service, and access is free.
McCloud Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, access may be limited during severe weather conditions.
Yes, there are parking areas at each of the three McCloud Falls (Upper, Middle, and Lower). These can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Parking cannot be reserved. It's first-come, first-served. Arriving early in the day is highly recommended to secure a spot.
No specific passes are required for general access to McCloud Falls. It's a free public access area.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail connecting the falls is generally considered easy to moderate. The hike to the base of Middle Falls is steep and unpaved. The full trail to all three falls is about 3.9 miles round-trip.
Yes, swimming is popular at Lower McCloud Falls and sometimes possible at Middle Falls, but the water is very cold year-round. Be cautious of slippery rocks.
Spring is often recommended for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Summer offers opportunities for swimming, but expect more visitors.
The viewing platforms are accessible, but the hike to the base of Middle Falls is steep and not stroller-friendly. Lower Falls offers easier access to the water's edge for families.
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a swimsuit if you plan to swim. A camera is a must for the stunning scenery!
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The viewing platforms offer great vantage points for wide shots. For more dynamic photos, carefully hike down to the base of Middle Falls for close-ups of the cascade and pool.
Morning light can be beautiful, especially for capturing the mist. Midday sun can be harsh, but the turquoise water still looks vibrant. Golden hour can offer softer light.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest for current rules and restrictions before flying.
Experiment with shutter speeds to get silky smooth water (longer exposure) or freeze the motion. A tripod is helpful for longer exposures.
The vibrant turquoise color of the water, especially at Middle Falls, is a unique photographic element. The surrounding lush greenery also adds to the beauty.
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