Northern California Waterfall Road Trip Itinerary (6 Waterfalls!!)

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The northern half of California is literally teething with one gorgeous waterfall after another. Some, like Burney Falls, are easy to view as they require little to no effort beyond driving there. Others, such as the upper portion of Yosemite Falls, require extra effort and determination.

The Shasta region, located in the upper sector of California, has many of the former. In fact, between the small mountain towns of Burney and Dunsmuir along a 60-mile stretch of road are six such waterfalls, some of which require nothing more than getting out of your car to see.

If you plan correctly and don’t linger for too long, seeing all six of these waterfalls is entirely doable. I have been to all of these falls, numerous times, and will provide what I believe to be a solid Northern California waterfall road trip itinerary to see them.

Additionally, I’ll provide information about parking, some helpful (from experience) tips, area restaurants, hotel recommendations, and more. Let’s get into it!

I Recommend Beginning in Dunsmuir

The town of Dunsmuir is located right off of Interstate-5 in the Shasta region of California. It is here where you’ll find the first two waterfalls on this list. One of which requires the most amount of effort of the six to see.

You could also begin in the town of Burney and save Dunsmuir for last if you wish. This itinerary, however, will focus on beginning in Dunsmuir. If you want to begin in Burney, simply hit these waterfalls in the reverse order.

There are numerous hotels and local eateries in Dunsmuir. To start your day, I recommend a breakfast burrito and coffee at Up and Running Espresso. Enjoy your breakfast, secure yourself a parking spot, and head off to your first waterfall of the day.

1) Mossbrea Falls

Admittedly, this one’s a bit tricky. It’s fairly easy to get to, but you’ll need to be ok with a little trespassing to see it. Mossbrea Falls itself isn’t the issue, it’s the route you’ll need to take that traverses across private property.

I wrote an extensive guide with step-by-step instructions on how to get to Mossbrea Falls. Additionally, it’s full of helpful tips, advice, and picture references to ensure a smooth experience.

You’ll need to walk through a private retreat and then along railroad tracks (Union Pacific property) for about a mile to reach the falls. Both property owners have relaxed their stance on hikers going through their property, as I had no issues at all when I went.

Mossbrea Falls is easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen. It’s almost like stepping into the pages of a fairytale novel. Trust me, it’s worth the effort. If you knock this one out first thing in the morning, you should be able to complete it in two hours or less.

When you’re done, and if it’s open, consider stopping for lunch at nearby Yaks on the 5 restaurant. It’s right down the street from Mossbrea and serves can’t-miss, delicious artisan burgers.

READ ALSO: “The Ultimate Guide to Mossbrea Falls in Dunsmuir”

2) Hedge Creek Falls

From where you parked for Mossbrea Falls, head north on Dunsmuir Avenue or on Interstate 5 to Hedge Creek Falls. As you get closer, you’ll see signs indicating which exit to take and where to park.

From the small pull out-style lot, it’s a short jaunt down to the relatively small, but nonetheless beautiful fall. This single flow fall flows 35-feet over a dramatic basalt shelf with towering pines and other greenery abound.

A unique aspect to Hedge Creek Falls is you’re able to walk behind it, offering a unique perspective. This is the only fall on this list where you can do that, which helps it to stand out.

READ ALSO: “Hedge Creek Falls: A Short Hike to an Incredible Waterfall”

3) Upper McCloud Fall

To reach your next destination, you’ll head east on CA-89 towards to the historic town of McCloud. More specifically, McCloud River Falls. From Hedge Creek Falls, it’ll take roughly 25 minutes of drive time to reach the upper fall.

There, you’ll find three incredible waterfalls along a single 3.9-mile (out and back) trail. However, you likely won’t have time to hike it and still make it to the final waterfall. Instead, drive to each one as they all have their own lots and viewing areas.

I suggest beginning at Upper McCloud Falls. You can see it fairly well from the viewing decks but for a better view, head a bit further down the trail to an unmarked spur trail. Shortly after the concrete ends, you’ll see said unmarked spur trail on your left.

Take your time as it’s a bit sketchy. From the bottom, you’ll get an incredible “head-on” view of the fall and can access the pool if you want to swim. I do recommend saving that for the middle and/or lower falls, though.

4) Middle McCloud Fall

After checking out the upper fall, you’ll next head to Middle McCloud Fall. The middle fall is the largest and, in my opinion, most picturesque of the three. It also has a large and deep pool at the base.

However, it’s also the one that requires the most effort to see, provided you want to see it from its base. There are a couple of viewing platforms just steps from the parking lot if you’re ok with seeing it from afar.

To get to the base, you’ll hike the fourth of a mile (one-way) dirt trail to the bottom. Getting there is easy, but it’ll be an uphill slog on the way out. It’s not difficult at all, but be prepared for it.

I encourage you to take a dip in the pool down there. It’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer day and you won’t find a better view. Many folks cliff jump here as well, but I would check for underwater boulders before doing so.

READ ALSO: “How to Hike to the Base of Middle McCloud Falls”

5) Lower McCloud Fall

Next, head further down the road to Lower McCloud Fall. This 12 foot singular fall plunges into a bowl-shaped pool surrounded by basalt rock walls. It’s the most popular (for obvious reasons) for swimming out of the three.

There is no steep trail to take and you won’t need to go down a sketchy spur trail to reach it either, as it’s mere feet from the parking lot. If you skipped swimming at the middle fall, definitely don’t skip it here.

If you want to want to hike the entire trail, I recommend starting here as opposed to the upper fall. You’ll get the initial climb done on your way in, when you have the most energy. The way back will be a breeze as it’ll be all downhill.

READ MORE: “McCloud River Falls: Three Fantastic Waterfalls in One Hike”

6) Burney Falls

Your final waterfall on your Northern California waterfall road trip is the awe-inspiring Burney Falls. If you’ve never been to Burney Falls, you’re in for a treat. It’s largely fed by Burney Creek, but also by underground rivers that flow outward through the large basalt wall.

You can view Burney from above at the accessible (and paved) viewing deck but for the full experience, head down the short path to its base and pool. It’s a sight you can only truly appreciate in person.

Burney Falls does get crowded during the day, which is why I recommend saving it for last and getting there in the late afternoon or closer to sunset. That’s what I do whenever I visit and I almost always have it to myself or I’m sharing it with just a few others.

On the way to Burney Falls from McCloud Falls, you’ll pass the location of the infamous scene from the movie “Stand by Me” where the boys ran for their lives across a bridge from an oncoming train. It’s still there if you want to check it out this piece of Hollywood history.

As stated earlier, to do this in the reverse order, go to Burney Falls in the morning. From there, stop at the three McCloud Falls. Then, drive to Dunsmuir and knock out Hedge Creek Falls before concluding at Mossbrea Falls.

If you’re planning to stay near Burney Falls, I recommend Shasta Pines Motel in the town of Burney. It’s a no-frills motel with little in the way of amenities, but it’s clean and affordable with comfortable bedding. From Burney, you can check out Subway Cave, Lassen-Volcanic National Park, and more!

READ MORE: “McArthur-Burney Falls State Park Ultimate Guide”

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