Day Hiker – McCloud River Falls Trail

In the Shasta-Trinity National Forest near McCloud, you'll find Fowlers Campground nestled beside the McCloud River Trail. This scenic route features three stunning waterfalls – Lower, Middle and Upper Falls. Each can be accessed directly via parking lots and day-use areas, or you can choose one and enjoy a beautiful day hike connecting all three. Since spring wasn't quite giving way to summer, I extended waterfall season with a drive to Siskiyou County. Highway 89 is a lovely route with open meadows and mountain views. I began at Lower Falls so the return trip would be downhill, parking at the spacious day-use area, which includes restrooms, picnic tables and plenty of parking. Lower Falls in the wet season is a spectacular sight. A stone observation deck and bench overlook the wide cascade. After taking more than enough photos, I stood on the edge of the volcanic rock – formed by eruptions from Mount Shasta, the most recent about 200 years ago. Beyond Lower Falls, a paved path follows the river past campsites with interpretive signs and additional restrooms. At the end of the campground, a sign marks the half-mile hike to Middle Falls. Leave the pavement and continue along the river. In May, the dogwoods were in full bloom, and birds provided a full chorus of song along the way. You might glimpse Middle Falls through the trees as you approach. During heavy runoff, these falls are breathtaking. Mist billows into the forest, thick with pine and ever-present dogwood. Once you tear yourself away, the trail climbs a switchback to a viewpoint above the falls. A nearby parking lot offers easy access for those starting at the top. It's hard not to linger – but even more awaits. Upper Falls forms a white ribbon of rushing water, squeezed between boulders. Another large, paved parking lot is located here. If logistics allow, consider leaving one car at Upper Falls and another at Lower Falls to cut your hike in half. Or embrace the full experience – descending again and enjoying all three waterfalls anew. Spring flowers are abundant, and the trees are impressive if you can take your eyes off the river. The return trip feels quicker. Before you know it, you're climbing the stone steps back to the Lower Falls day-use area. The full out-and-back trail covers about 8 miles with only a 330-foot elevation change – first up, then down. To get there, take I-5 North for the fastest route. If you have time, consider CA 89-N. From McCloud's main intersection, drive east on Highway 89 for 5.5 miles. Turn right at the signed McCloud River Loop, continue 0.7 miles, and stay right at the first intersection (left leads to Middle and Upper Falls). Pass Fowlers Campground and turn left into the signed parking lot for Lower Falls. On the way home, take CA 89-N and stop at Burney Falls in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. You practically park in front of the falls. My Poppy Pass was accepted here. Not quite a day hike, but if you love waterfalls, it's a must. Mary West is the author of the "Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guidebook" series, a curated collection of her popular newspaper columns. In each installment, West shares her enduring love for the outdoors and highlights favorite hikes throughout Northern California's Gold Country and beyond. Her work has earned recognition, including the 2025 Bear Yuba Land Trust John Skinner Sierra Outdoors Recreation Award and the CRAFT Awards for Best Outdoor Newspaper Column in 2017 and 2019 from the Outdoor Writers Association of California. Her books are available on Amazon, and you can follow her adventures on Facebook and Instagram.