McCloud River Falls: Glacial water carves through Ancient Volcanic Stone
On the outskirts of McCloud, CA you’ll find one of the area’s many series of waterfalls that feed the Sacramento River amid a picturesque forested backdrop…
Middle Falls, McCloud River. Photography by Gregory Farrar.
The McCloud River system is one of the most beautiful and scenic features in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Just about 5 miles east of the town of McCloud, the river is both spring and snow-melt fed year-round. The water flows through basaltic rock from one of the volcanic lava flows when Mt. Shasta erupted over 3,000 years ago. Through time, nature’s architect-water, has carved it’s way through solid stone and over edges creating deep pools.
Lower Falls, McCloud River. Photography by Gregory Farrar.
Most visitors start their visit from the Lower Falls parking lot, and can decide to hike all the way to Upper Falls, or vice versa, while passing several camp grounds and swimming ponds. Each series of falls also have observation platforms giving the best view of each cascading water feature. I’ve been visiting Lower Falls and the McCloud River System since I was a child. It has been the cool-off spot of many summer visits, thanks to the snow melt that keeps the water in the 40’s (Fahrenheit) most of the year, even in the summer. For those darling enough, a select few members of my family have jumped into the waterfall pool from the left side of the falls. Caution is needed, as in recent years, larger boulders have fallen directly beneath the falls and are sometimes hidden from view.
The River and the surrounding area, including Mt. Shasta, have long been inhabited by the Indigenous Wintu Tribe. Photography by Gregory Farrar.
There’s a few places you may be able to catch small fish or test out fly fishing, but at certain times during the year and in certain locations, fishing may not be allowed, so pay attention to signage and make sure you have your fishing license, just in case local fishing and game wardens pass through during your visit.
Lower Falls flows into a favored cliff jumping spot. Photography by Gregory Farrar.
In years past, thrill-seekers have dared to jump from the right-side of the falls further up on the embankment, but due to the aforementioned boulders, it is now ill-advised. Visitors electing to jump from the left-side of the falls should make sure they are experienced swimmers, have a buddy nearby, and ideally wear a proper flotation device, just in case the shock of the cold water is too much. Cliff-jumpers will also have to climb out over the surrounding rocks and boulders of the banks of the pool in order to get back to the trail or the parking lot. Be safe, but enjoy one of the best ways to cool off fast on a hot summers day.
Looking Upstream, McCloud River. Photography by Gregory Farrar.
As you continue upstream from Lower Falls, you’ll walk along a path that follows the river. Throughout different times of the year, the scenery will constantly change, and if you’re lucky enough to visit during the late summer/early fall season, you’ll see some amazing color changes among the bio-diverse landscape.
An old growth tree along the hiking trail. Photography by Gregory Farrar.
You’ll see several old-growth trees throughout the hike, many of which would’ve been juvenile trees when the original virgin timber was first mass-harvested starting in the 1800s. The forest is populated by Douglas and White fir, Ponderosa pine, Cedar, Dogwood, Oak, and Maple among many more shrubs, aquatic vegetation, and wildflowers.
Path among the trees. Photography by Gregory Farrar.
The forest canopy provides shade throughout as you hike towards Middle Falls, which can really make a difference in the heat of the day. Just with any hike, it’s always advisable to bring water or hydrating liquids along with you.
Walking through a pine grove as you get closer to Middle Falls. Photography by Gregory Farrar.
The landscapes continues to change as you twist and turn along the river through the forest. For those up for whole waterfall route, Lower Falls to Upper Falls is roughly 1.8 miles, so 3.6 miles round-trip if you decide to hike up and back. The trail actually continues north of Upper Falls and continues for 15 miles (total) up to the Algoma Campground. The walk from each respective parking lot is a lot more doable for those with small children, the elderly, and those not wanting to walk too far. The Upper McCloud river will forever be a favorite for myself, and I look forward to many more visits to this beautiful piece of nature. For those curious about the system, the Lower McCloud river consists of the McCloud Reservoir all the way to Shasta Lake.
You can find out more by visiting the U.S. Forest Service website for Middle Falls and the surrounding area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/regions/Pacific_Southwest/MiddleFalls/index.shtml
For those daring enough, Middle Falls is the thrill seekers dream when it comes to cliff jumping. For everyone else, it is equally as beautiful to simply look at. Photography by Gregory Farrar.
Although the digital experience pales in comparison to the real thing, I captured the footage in the video below in the Fall of 2021. The McCloud River including Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls is viewable throughout the year and each waterfall can be accessed from nearby parking lots for those not wanting to hike the entire trail. Enjoy!
