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    Whiskeytown Falls

    4.6 (17 reviews)

    Whiskeytown Falls Photos

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    Scott C.

    Came here on a Sunday evening in August, when it was cooling down from a day high temp of 101°F. We forgot to purchase a pass at the Visitor Center, so we had to drive back 15 minutes to do that and return. The 45-60 minute hike itself was moderately tiring and shaded. The hike starts off at a descent, but ends up being mostly uphill for the rest of the hike. The trail was empty (only saw 2 others). But we encountered numerous lizards and even more flies. TONS of flies! We had to constantly wave around and swat around our faces/torsos and really wished we had bug spray. The waterfall was beautiful, and we had it all to ourselves at the time! We didn't climb the stairs next to the falls, but the view from below was fulfilling enough. The water was so clear/clean! The return hike was steep enough to cause you to scurry down at accelerative speeds. Because I wore sneakers, I almost slipped many times. Be careful! In terms of waterfall awesomeness, Burney Falls is still tough to beat. But if you're around the area I'd recommend checking this place out.

    Samuel Y.

    Great moderate hike. Came here on a weekday morning and came across maybe 2 other people during my entire hike to the falls and back to the parking lot. Bathroom is available at the beginning of the trail. Decent amount of shade but there was some annoying bugs flying around in my sweat trail. Plenty of moments to stop and take a break as well as a nice waterfall view at the end. In my research of this trail, I read that someone can push up a baby stroller during this hike and I can believe it but I definitely would not do it myself.

    Rosa Esmeralda S.

    Amazing!! First time hiking the falls. Went on a Thursday morning and there were very few hikers. The hike was awesome. The trail is uphill on the way to the falls, but not impossible. The falls are breathtaking. I would definitely recommend to anyone that loves to hike.

    Creek
    Liz C.

    Amazing hike. I've been here several times already. Whiskeytown in general is very beautiful. This particular trail is minutes away from the main entrance. The drive up to the trail is pretty nice. There is a small parking lot. The few times I've been there, I've never had issues. FYI, you have to pay parking, so bring cash :) The trail is mainly uphill. It has benches after a long stretch so you can rest. It usually takes me about 3 hours there and back, not including the time I spend exploring and looking at the beautiful scenery. One thing I like before you get to the waterfall, there is this bench that is set for you to see and enjoy the scenery. The green mountains around. The creek that follows along is a nice touch. Once you get there, it is very beautiful. I enjoy just sitting there and watch the waterfall, listening to the water. It's very soothing for me, well worth the hike. As you climb the stairs to the waterfall, You can get a bit higher up, sometimes they close it off and can't go all the way up. I always recommend my peeps to hike here for a good workout and well worth scenery.

    Reached the waterfall time for a drink.
    Paul D.

    Start by visiting the visitor center for parking permit fees, also a great view of the lake (14412 J.F. Kennedy Memorial Drive, Whiskeytown, CA 96095). Move your way up north 299 Eureka and left to Crystal Creek Road. Follow Crystal Creek till you reach James K Carr Trailhead and park there to hike Whiskytown Falls. Good moderate-difficult hike for family and pets. Some parts have a 20-30 degree incline. A 3.4 mile loop of uphill and downhill trails. A lot of shade areas, what you need is a mosquito repellent. Beware of pet owners who's dogs are not on leash. Be responsible and leash your dogs. Other than that the falls is spectacularly flowing this time of year. More info on the falls: https://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/upload/jameskcarrtrail%20final.pmd-3.pdf

    The bottom part of whiskey town falls
    Tracy C.

    I visited the park during the winter months and I really enjoyed it. The park has several trails and a few waterfalls. Since I only had a few hours to hike I chose to hike the Whiskeytown Falls Trail. I'm glad I decided on this this trail because the waterfall at the end of the hike was breathtaking. It is the tallest waterfall in the park and looks like it's broken into three different parts, which make it unique from other falls I've seen before. The hike to the waterfall and back was about 3.4 miles. It's a very short hike. However, the hike towards the waterfall in mostly on a steep incline. I'd love to come back to the area to try the other hikes and to see the other waterfalls.

    Whiskeytown Falls
    Katie S.

    Whiskeytown Falls Trail has its ups and downs, but it's short enough that even someone with tiny little legs or couch potato tendencies could probably complete it with a little coaxing. The start of the trail isn't breathtaking, but once you get to water the landscape is dramatically green and hydrated in comparison to the brush that you've hiked through to get there. The falls were much larger than I expected. Take the staircase up the side for the best view. Remember to bring water and if you are inclined, a picnic. There are a couple of places to stop and lunch along the trail.

    This is a nice hike, especially for someone who hasn't been very active in a while. Most of it is uphill, but there are great spots to take a break along the way. I was surprised that most of the hike is shaded & cool as you walk along the creek. (This is amazing, if you know anything about the Redding heat!) The waterfall is so pretty, and the water is pretty refreshing! You can probably dip in the small pool below the fall, but it is pretty small. (And may the weird if it's a bunch of people lol) There are some good spots to sit & have a snack/lunch at the fall before heading back down.

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    1 year ago

    Amazing trails I loved how well taken Care of is this National Park. My family love to do this hiking again every year

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    14 years ago

    Great hike 1.7 miles up, for awesome views and quiet creeks and loud waterfalls!

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    Ask the Community - Whiskeytown Falls

    Review Highlights - Whiskeytown Falls

    It's a terrific hike with a dog - lots of uphill on the way to the falls, which are lovely -- but very manageable.

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    McArthur Burney Falls State Park - Soft Serveeeeeeee

    McArthur Burney Falls State Park

    4.7(359 reviews)
    53.7 mi

    The falls are absolutely gorgeous and a must see!!…read more We arrived around 1000 on a Friday where we had to park in overflow, so I suggest to go early. They have a gift shop that sells softserve icecream so we grabbed one of those and talked to the store clerk who also runs the marina where he explained the boating and kayaking options, fishing, etc. Afterwards we hiked the paved path down to the falls. The path has an incline and is wet in some areas so exercise caution as we saw someone fall and bust her knee open. The falls are so beautiful from every angle, and very worth the trip! After taking a ton of photos we walked on another path that took us to a cool bridge crossing the river. Then headed over to the marina area and rented a kayak for 4 hours for $85, which is great price honestly. The guy at the boat rental area was very nice and accomodating. The sun was out in full force so take your sunscreen! We fished and caught a few small mouth bass but nothing we could keep. After we turned in our kayaks we found a picnic area and grilled up some food. Overall we really enjoyed our day at this park and highly recommend!!

    This is my second trip to McArthur Burney Falls. Easy access and available parking today, 09.17.25…read moredue to it being the end of season/fall. $10 entrance fee, accept cash or credit cards. I actually received a $1 back as in a senior. I dislike that dog access is limited to parking lot, and observation area. Not allowed on stairs leading down to base of falls, on trails, posted properly. I understand people don't clean up after their pets plus you never know how dogs will interact. Their park, their rules. I love the rule that doesn't allow you to leave your dog(s) in the car, kudos. I think these dog rules apply to all California State Parks. Beautiful falls, great fall weather, friendly rangers.

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    McArthur Burney Falls State Park
    McArthur Burney Falls State Park
    McArthur Burney Falls State Park - Severe hiking!  It's less than a mile and a half.  Steep(ish) though.

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    Severe hiking! It's less than a mile and a half. Steep(ish) though.

    Castle Crags State Park

    Castle Crags State Park

    4.3(69 reviews)
    38.9 mi

    I spent the past four nights here, and it was very quiet, dark, and peaceful…read more Quiet with the caveat that there was a TON of train noise. But if you like white noise, that might be a plus. This was the darkest campground I've ever camped at so far. The view of the stars was great. The cold was on another level. I wouldn't recommend tent camping unless you really know what you're doing. Theoretically, this campground has free showers, but they are closed for the season. I couldn't help but notice that the windows have been broken into and boarded back up. There was theoretically potable water, but it tasted a little funky. Most of the pumps were broken, which made it seem like maybe the rest are about to be determined to be broken soon. There was an electric outlet in the bathroom with a sign warning not to leave personal items. In site 25, which is reserved for PCT hikers, I found another sign warning that items are frequently stolen from the bathrooms, and to use the outlets hidden in the amphitheater instead. (There is also a Starbucks about fifteen minutes away in Shasta.) A trail behind site 25 leads to the PCT, but the trail was currently full of fallen trees and hazards. Another trail near Vista Point turned out to be a safer route to the PCT. A 2 mile trail leads from the campground to Vista Point, where you can either keep hiking, or take in the panoramic views of Mt. Shasta, Castle Crags, and the Gray Rocks. I chose site 38 to camp in, which was at the end of the line of sites that are currently open. The first two nights, I paid with the self serve envelope. The rest I purchased from the Ranger Station. Camping was only $25/night, half off with qualifying passes. So it only cost me $50 to stay here 4 nights. The spaces on the main road were huge, and very well spaced. There was a camp host on duty on site 20, and maintenance came through every day to clean the restrooms and empty the trash. I didn't see much wildlife except for a lot of birds. Wildflowers were just beginning to bloom on the trails. There isn't much to do near the campground, but I found this to be a great place to have some relative peace and quiet for a few days.

    We opt to hike up to the Castle Dome. It's a gorgeous hike especially the snow cap view of…read moreMr.Shasta and the fall foilage! A must hike

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    Castle Crags State Park
    Castle Crags State Park
    Castle Crags State Park - Small rainbow trout

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    Small rainbow trout

    Whiskeytown Falls - hiking - Updated May 2026

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