Waterfalls near Shasta Lake: Six Scenic Day Trips

Shasta Lake makes a convenient base for waterfall day trips around Northern California. These six destinations offer different experiences, from waterfall viewpoints to longer forest hikes. Choose your outing around your group’s abilities, the season and current access conditions.

Burney Falls

Visit McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park to see its spring-fed, 129-foot waterfall. Check California State Parks for current trail access, entry requirements and any reservation requirements before traveling.

McCloud Falls

Lower, Middle and Upper McCloud Falls offer three distinct waterfalls along the McCloud River. You can visit individual viewpoints or connect them on the river trail when conditions allow. Access roads can be gated in winter, changing the length and difficulty of the outing.

Explore our McCloud Falls guide.

Potem Falls

Potem Falls is a 70-foot waterfall reached by a rocky trail with steep drop-offs. Choose footwear and an outing suitable for your group, and check Forest Service information before visiting.

Hedge Creek Falls

Near Dunsmuir, Hedge Creek Falls offers a short walk through a wooded canyon. The trail is narrow and uneven in places and can be icy in winter. Pair the outing with shops or a meal in town.

Plan a Dunsmuir day trip.

Whiskeytown Falls

Whiskeytown Falls is reached by the James K. Carr Trail, a moderately strenuous hike of approximately 3.4 miles round trip. This is a separate outing from Crystal Creek Falls. Check National Park Service information for trail conditions and closures.

Crystal Creek Falls

Also in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Crystal Creek Falls has a short, paved route to a waterfall viewpoint. It is a useful alternative to the longer Whiskeytown Falls hike.

Compare Whiskeytown waterfall trails.

What about Mossbrae Falls?

Do not follow the railroad tracks to Mossbrae Falls. The City of Dunsmuir is working on a legal public trail connection. Check the city’s trail project updates before planning a visit.

Make Shasta Lake Your Base

After a waterfall outing, return to a cabin or vacation home in Lakehead. Compare all 19 retreats by guest limits, amenities and setting.