Northern California is famous for its enormous redwood trees, its towering mountains (like Mt. Shasta and Castle Crags), and its abundance of stunning waterfall hikes. In this roundup we share seven of the best waterfall hikes in Northern California. They’re all worth adding to your bucket list for an epic northern California road trip!

Why should you trust us? We’re local experts! Amiana grew up in Northern California (Sacramento), and we spent five years living in Davis, California (also in Northern California). While living in California we traveled tens of thousands of miles throughout the state in our campervan and found all the best hiking and adventure spots in Northern California!

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7 of the best waterfall hikes in Northern California

Phantom Falls

Chico, California 

Located in North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in Chico, California, Phantom Falls is a spectacular 166-foot waterfall that runs seasonally, usually in winter and early spring. This is one of my favorite waterfall hikes in Northern California – it truly made me feel like I had been transported to Iceland! If you visit in spring you’ll also get to enjoy spectacular wildflowers. 

The hike out to the falls is 4 miles round trip, but visitors can also extend their adventure along other trails, if desired. We’ve done the Phantom Falls Loop (7 miles) twice and loved it both times!

All visitors must purchase a $6 (as of 2024) CDFW Lands Pass before visiting. These passes help support restoration and maintenance at the site!

Burney Falls

Burney, California

No round up of the best waterfall hikes in Northern California would be compete without Burney Falls! Located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Burney Falls is often described as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in California. The falls are over 120 feet high and 250 feet across, and they cascade down a lush rocky outcrop covered in ferns. The falls can be viewed from a viewing deck by the parking lot, or via a short 1 mile round trip hike. These falls are super misty, so make sure to bring a raincoat! I’m a big fan of the REI Co-op Flash Stretch Rain Jacket for women and men.

Note: this trail will be under construction throughout 2024.

Mossbrae Falls

Dunsmuir, California

This is one of the most unique waterfalls I have ever been to!  Mossbrae Falls is a beautiful spring-fed waterfall cascading directly into the Sacramento River, surrounded by volcanic walls covered in ferns and moss! This hike is located in Dunsmuir, California. 

Technically, hiking to Mossbrae Falls requires trespassing, as you have to walk along an active railroad. If you do decide to brave this hike, make sure to listen for trains and be ready to get off the tracks in a hurry! If you don’t stay alert you could die. 

We’ve done this hike three times and have encountered trains twice. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings, and ready to move away from the train any moment. I recommend reading more in-depth about the background and trail details of Mossbrae Falls here.

Want to see more in the area? You can find a full 48 hour Dunsmuir itinerary here!

McCloud Falls

McCloud, California

This is is actually a “three for one” adventure – you can see upper, lower, and middle McCloud Falls all in a single 4 mile hike! My favorite of the three waterfalls is middle falls, but all three are beautiful. The hike meanders alongside the bright blue river, making this a particularly peaceful adventure. There’s also a beautiful campground along the river. All three falls also have overlooks have ADA features, which means you can also enjoy the falls without having to hike. 

We’ve done this hike in both spring and winter. When there’s snow on the trail you’ll want crampons and/or snowshoes (depending on snow depth) to navigate. 

Hedge Creek Falls

Dunsmuir, California

Hedge Creek Falls is located in Dunsmuir, California, and is just up the road from Mossbrae Falls (discussed above). This waterfall is approximately 35 feet tall and cascades over ancient volcanic rock. A natural cave behind the waterfall allows hikers to walk behind the falls. This short hike is well-maintained, and the parking area is usually fairly empty. 

Want to see more in the area? You can find a full 48 hour Dunsmuir itinerary here!

Faery Falls

Mt. Shasta, California

A short and easy 1.4 mile round trip hike will bring you to Faery Falls near Mt. Shasta, California. This beautiful waterfall is tucked away in a small, rocky canyon, and the hike to the falls takes you up a forest road with a gradual incline. You’ll want shoes with good traction for the final descent to the base of the waterfall. There are some nice swimming holes along the creek for a summer dip.

Crystal Creek Falls

Redding, California

Located in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Crystal Creek Falls is a stunning two-tiered cascading waterfall that flows along a rocky outcrop. The trail is paved and very short, making this an accessible waterfall that everyone to enjoy. Additionally there are several other beautiful waterfalls in the area that are worth visiting! You can read more about the other waterfalls in the area here.

Leave no trace tips for waterfall hikes

Below are some of our top tips for leaving no trace while enjoying the best waterfall hikes in Northern California!

• Don’t cut the trail. Stay on designated paths and trails, and do your best not to “cut” the trail in an effort to make your hikes shorter. This causes erosion issues.
• Pack out what you pack in. Be mindful to pack out all of your trash, including “natural” things like pistachio shells and orange peels, which take many, many years to break down.
• Don’t pick plants or wildflowers. These areas are special in part because of their diverse plant life. Please leave plants and flowers for the bees and the bugs to enjoy.
• Pick up after your pet, and carry their waste with you. Don’t leave bags of waste behind on the side of the trail – odds are, you won’t remember to pick them back up.

Looking for more outdoorsy California travel inspiration? Click here! You can also follow along on Instagram @gwynandami.