McCloud River Falls
McCloud, CA
Three waterfalls on the McCloud River linked by a riverside trail of about two miles each way. Lower Falls is next to a picnic area off SR-89 east of McCloud; the upper falls drops through a basalt gorge.
Three waterfalls lie along the McCloud River in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, east of the town of McCloud: Lower, Middle and Upper Falls. Heights vary by source. The Lower Falls is roughly 4 to 5 m (12 to 15 feet) high, and the Middle Falls, at more than 15 m (50 feet) high and about 30 m (100 feet) wide, is considered the most impressive. The Upper Falls drops into a gorge, and its viewing platform is about 27 m (90 feet) above the river. A trail links all three; the round trip is 6 to 6.5 km (about 4 miles), depending on the source.
Each fall has its own parking lot, so you can also visit them one at a time. The section from Lower Falls toward Fowlers Campground is paved and accessible. Swimming is popular at Middle Falls and in summer generally, but hidden boulders make jumping at Lower Falls dangerous. The climb down to Upper Falls is steep. Allow about three hours for the whole loop.
- Nearest town
- McCloud, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.2403, -122.0237
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Fowlers CampgroundCampsite0 mi from McCloud River FallsTentsCaravansDrinking water
- McCloud RV ParkMotorhome stopover6 mi from McCloud River FallsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Panther Meadows CampgroundCampsite12 mi from McCloud River Falls · 15 pitchesTentsFree
- McBride Springs CampgroundCampsite16 mi from McCloud River Falls · 12 pitchesDrinking water
- Mt. Shasta City KOAMotorhome stopover16 mi from McCloud River FallsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Friendly RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from McCloud River Falls · 50 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is McCloud River Falls?
McCloud River Falls is in McCloud, CA, at GPS 41.2403, -122.0237. It is about 16 mi from Mount Shasta.
Can you camp near McCloud River Falls?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fowlers Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 32 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass McCloud River Falls?
McCloud River Falls is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Volcanic Legacy Byway: Mount Shasta to Crater Lake.
What is there to see near McCloud River Falls?
Places worth a stop nearby: Castle Crags State Park (17 mi), McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (25 mi), Shasta Dam (42 mi) and Lava Beds National Monument (42 mi).
When is the best time to visit McCloud River Falls?
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)