When the state begins to warm up, and flowers are blooming, wildlife is stirring, and of course, the waterfalls are flowing, it’s the perfect time for a little exploring. If you can time it right, the runoff during the early warmer months is regarded as the best time to do some waterfall chasing in NorCal, since that’s when falls are generally at their maximum flow. Thankfully, there are tons of great waterfalls around Northern California that you can shoot to see, especially if you live around Redding. This waterfall loop in Northern California is a great way to adventure through the state, seeing some of Northern California’s prettiest scenery along the way. It’s here you’ll find a waterfall day trip that’s been dubbed the “Redding Waterfall Loop,” and you can accomplish it in just three hours. That is, if you can tear yourself away from these beautiful sites!
According to Visit Redding, there’s a waterfall loop near this outdoorsy town that can take you to FIVE different waterfalls in just a few hours. Of course, you could spend much more time absorbing the beautiful sights, so consider this three-hour waterfall day trip a must! Take the afternoon off and check out this amazing road trip, where you will see some of the best waterfalls in Northern California.
GoogleMaps Be sure to follow along with the interactive Google Map.
- Lion Slide Falls
Donny Barnec/Google Editor’s Note: Uh oh! As of March 2021, the trail to Lion Slide Falls is closed indefinitely by the owner. Don’t worry, we have plenty of other great waterfalls on this road trip for you to see!First stop: Lion Slide Falls. This fun waterfall and swimming hole is just a 45-minute drive from Redding and is easily accessible from a short trail off of Big Bend Road. It boasts a deep pool at its base, plenty of smooth rocks around for lounging on, and a strong flow that’s bound to impress. During the summertime, it makes for a spectacular place for water-based fun. Check out these gorgeous photos of this fun waterfall and swimming hole!
- Burney Falls
Terrell Barry via Getty Images Next up, the one and only Burney Falls! Considered one of the most impressive falls in the state, Burney is a 129-foot-tall, multi-cascade that promises to take your breath away. It can be found within McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (day fee is $8) and can be seen flowing strong all year long. The hike down to the falls is short and easy, and there’s also a small loop trail in the area that takes you to the top of this fantastic falls. The McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a wonderful place to explore, and there’s even overnight camping if you can’t bear to tear yourself away!
- Lower McCloud Falls
BurneyImageCreator via Getty Images The final stop on the Redding Waterfall Loop are the three waterfalls found along the McCloud River. You can drive right up to these falls relatively easily, but a popular way to see them is by completing the loop trail that takes you up the river. The first waterfall you’ll see are the lower falls—a 12-foot cascade directly into the river below. If you want a detailed map with hiking directions, check out the McCloud Waterfalls Trail on AllTrails. This is a beautiful, highly rated waterfall hike in Northern California!
- Middle McCloud Falls
CampPhoto via Getty Images You’ll arrive at Middle McCloud Falls next. Perhaps the most popular of the three waterfalls, the middle falls is by far the most impressive with a stunning 44-foot drop into the pool below. It’s also approximately 120-feet wide, making it a truly inspiring sight! World of Waterfalls goes into greater detail about the scenic and stunning Middle McCloud Falls.
- Upper McCloud Falls
Samson1976 via Getty Images Lastly, you’ll check out Upper McCloud Falls, which impresses with its height. As the river squeezes through a narrow gorge, it makes a dramatic plunge into the bright blue waters of the river below. This officially concludes the Redding Waterfall Loop, but wait…there’s more! The Mount Shasta Trail Association will give you all the details you need about the forest, hiking trail, and parking information for your hike.
- BONUS: Hedge Creek Falls
Bartfett via Getty Images If you’re feeling up for it, make your way towards Dunsmuir for a bonus waterfall. The beautiful Hedge Creek Falls can be found along Hedge Creek, flowing directly over a stunning formation of rock columns. Behind the waterfall’s cascade is an incredible cave that you’ll want to explore. You can reach the waterfall via a hiking trail that starts in a park right off the Dunsmuir Avenue exit on Interstate 5. This little gem is one of the most scenic spots in Northern California, and you’ll want to make sure you take this detour!
Are you ready to set off on this waterfall day trip around Redding? Would you explore this waterfall loop in Northern California this year? Tell us about your favorite waterfalls in Northern California in the comments below!
GoogleMaps
Be sure to follow along with the interactive Google Map.
Donny Barnec/Google
Editor’s Note: Uh oh! As of March 2021, the trail to Lion Slide Falls is closed indefinitely by the owner. Don’t worry, we have plenty of other great waterfalls on this road trip for you to see!First stop: Lion Slide Falls. This fun waterfall and swimming hole is just a 45-minute drive from Redding and is easily accessible from a short trail off of Big Bend Road. It boasts a deep pool at its base, plenty of smooth rocks around for lounging on, and a strong flow that’s bound to impress. During the summertime, it makes for a spectacular place for water-based fun. Check out these gorgeous photos of this fun waterfall and swimming hole!
Terrell Barry via Getty Images
Next up, the one and only Burney Falls! Considered one of the most impressive falls in the state, Burney is a 129-foot-tall, multi-cascade that promises to take your breath away. It can be found within McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (day fee is $8) and can be seen flowing strong all year long. The hike down to the falls is short and easy, and there’s also a small loop trail in the area that takes you to the top of this fantastic falls. The McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a wonderful place to explore, and there’s even overnight camping if you can’t bear to tear yourself away!
BurneyImageCreator via Getty Images
The final stop on the Redding Waterfall Loop are the three waterfalls found along the McCloud River. You can drive right up to these falls relatively easily, but a popular way to see them is by completing the loop trail that takes you up the river. The first waterfall you’ll see are the lower falls—a 12-foot cascade directly into the river below. If you want a detailed map with hiking directions, check out the McCloud Waterfalls Trail on AllTrails. This is a beautiful, highly rated waterfall hike in Northern California!
CampPhoto via Getty Images
You’ll arrive at Middle McCloud Falls next. Perhaps the most popular of the three waterfalls, the middle falls is by far the most impressive with a stunning 44-foot drop into the pool below. It’s also approximately 120-feet wide, making it a truly inspiring sight! World of Waterfalls goes into greater detail about the scenic and stunning Middle McCloud Falls.
Samson1976 via Getty Images
Lastly, you’ll check out Upper McCloud Falls, which impresses with its height. As the river squeezes through a narrow gorge, it makes a dramatic plunge into the bright blue waters of the river below. This officially concludes the Redding Waterfall Loop, but wait…there’s more! The Mount Shasta Trail Association will give you all the details you need about the forest, hiking trail, and parking information for your hike.
Bartfett via Getty Images
If you’re feeling up for it, make your way towards Dunsmuir for a bonus waterfall. The beautiful Hedge Creek Falls can be found along Hedge Creek, flowing directly over a stunning formation of rock columns. Behind the waterfall’s cascade is an incredible cave that you’ll want to explore. You can reach the waterfall via a hiking trail that starts in a park right off the Dunsmuir Avenue exit on Interstate 5. This little gem is one of the most scenic spots in Northern California, and you’ll want to make sure you take this detour!
If you’re looking for more great gems in Northern California, read more about These 15 Hidden Waterfalls in Northern California Will Take Your Breath Away.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Lion Slide Falls, California 96065, USAAddress: Burney Falls, California 96013, USAAddress: Lower Falls, McCloud River, McCloud River, McCloud, CA 96057, USAAddress: McCloud River - Middle Falls, McCloud, CA 96057, USAAddress: McCloud Falls - Upper Fall, Upper Fall Rd, McCloud, CA 96057, USAAddress: Hedge Creek Falls, 4131 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA 96025, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfall Loop In Northern California April 09, 2021 Megan McDonald How many waterfalls are in Northern California? There are around 25 waterfalls north of Sacramento, but this changes depending on the season and the snowfall each year. That’s a wonderful amount of waterfalls to go visit the next time you’d love a beautiful day exploring around Northern California. What’s the best time of year to see waterfalls in Northern California? Early spring is the best time to spot waterfalls in Northern California. When the winter snow begins to melt, and runoff intensifies, you’ll be able to see some powerful and impressive waterfalls in person.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfall Loop In Northern California
April 09, 2021
Megan McDonald
How many waterfalls are in Northern California? There are around 25 waterfalls north of Sacramento, but this changes depending on the season and the snowfall each year. That’s a wonderful amount of waterfalls to go visit the next time you’d love a beautiful day exploring around Northern California. What’s the best time of year to see waterfalls in Northern California? Early spring is the best time to spot waterfalls in Northern California. When the winter snow begins to melt, and runoff intensifies, you’ll be able to see some powerful and impressive waterfalls in person.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are around 25 waterfalls north of Sacramento, but this changes depending on the season and the snowfall each year. That’s a wonderful amount of waterfalls to go visit the next time you’d love a beautiful day exploring around Northern California.
What’s the best time of year to see waterfalls in Northern California?
Early spring is the best time to spot waterfalls in Northern California. When the winter snow begins to melt, and runoff intensifies, you’ll be able to see some powerful and impressive waterfalls in person.
