Are there fees or permits required for Deer Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Deer Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Deer Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Deer Creek Falls.

Deer Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Deer Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Deer Creek Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 3 other waterfalls also named Deer Creek Falls, see below

Lassen National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

j-dub1980(THANK YOU FOR 100k+ Views) CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Deer Creek Falls

Deer Creek Falls sits tucked into the pine-and-fir forests of Northern California, within Lassen National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls offer a peaceful, photogenic cascade framed by forested slopes — an appealing short escape for hikers, families, and anyone looking for a quiet stretch of trail. Reaching the falls is a rewarding outing rather than a long expedition: the approach is an out-and-back roughly 2.4 miles round-trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Access to the scenic viewpoint uses a short USFS-designated approach—EDNA'S TRAIL (Trail #721)—and the route moves from gentle forest walking into steeper, native-tread sections as you near the creek. Because portions of the route have sustained grades and natural surface, sturdy footwear and steady footing make the hike more comfortable. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Lassen National Forest, Deer Creek Falls is an inviting half-day hike for those who want a close, forested waterfall without a long backcountry commitment.

The Setting

Deer Creek Falls sits at 3,638 feet within Lassen National Forest, in the mountains of California.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Edna's Trail (#721), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

EDNA'S TRAIL #721

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.38 mi

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back. Total length: 2.4 miles (round-trip). Elevation gain: ~350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. USFS information: EDNA'S TRAIL (Trail #721) is the official Forest Service segment on the approach; the trail has a GIS-recorded length of 0.38 miles for that designated segment. Surface: native material (soil, roots, rock). Class: 2. Typical grade: 12–20%, so expect some sustained, steeper pitches. The overall tread is non-technical but uneven in places—rooted and rocky in spots—so use sturdy footwear and watch your footing on the steeper grades.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Deer Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Deer Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring is the best time to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Summer and fall are also good options, but water flow may be reduced during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Lassen National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and stay on designated trails to avoid accidents. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make the trail muddy and hazardous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Mineral hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 109 feet through Deer Creek Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 3,641 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 155 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 137 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Deer Creek Falls near Mineral, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Deer Creek Falls near Mineral, California, showing about 109 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 3,641 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 109 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Deer Creek Falls is located off Highway 32 in Northern California, near the town of Chester. The falls can be accessed via a short drive from the highway, with signage marking the general area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited parking available near the trailhead or roadside pullouts along Highway 32. Visitors should plan to arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.

Elevation

3,638 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.202381° N, -121.513309° W

Land Management

Lassen National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and holidays. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may have uneven surfaces. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall.